Create your to stream all 64 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022ᵀᴹ live and free any time on your favourite device.
Garang Kuol has said that in the future Australia can compete up there with the likes of footballing giants Argentina and Brazil.
Kuol came within inches of forcing extra-time against La Albiceleste, who had goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to thank en route to a narrow 2-1 victory in the Round of 16.
It was a courageous performance from Australia, one that captivated virtually every major city in the country and once again reminded its people of football’s true potential.
That potential is something Kuol feels the Socceroos aren’t far off from unlocking - at least on the pitch - after providing what Lionel Messi described was a "tough, very physical" contest in Al-Rayyan.
"I think in the future you’ll see a team at the level of Brazil and Argentina," Kuol said after the match.
"People think people in Europe can fly or something. All human, all with two feet, (it’s) just about the passion and the heart."
Graham Arnold introduced Kuol as part of a triple-change with 18 minutes remaining in regulation; with the Socceroos in need of reinforcements after Craig Goodwin’s deflected volley halved the deficit following Messi’s first-half strike and Mat Ryan’s costly howler.
The 18-year-old, who signed for Newcastle United in September, was presented with one last chance in the 97th minute and was an arm’s width away from snatching a sensational equaliser.
Kuol displayed maturity beyond his years to control Goodwin’s cross, rid himself of Nicolas Tagliafico and fire on the turn, but when you ask the forward of his effort, he admits there was a lesson to be learned.
"To be honest, I didn’t really see much," he explained. "Just tried to turn around and shoot, but on the replay (you) can see the keeper rushed out.
"Just a learning curve. Pretty tough it didn’t go in, good save."
"I was telling myself I’d come and score a goal, and Arnie was telling me the same thing," he continued.
"We both had the same expectations, so, when I wasn’t able to score, I was very disappointed. Just got to move on."
Fresh from becoming the youngest player to appear in the knockout stages since Pele, it appears Kuol will have to move on rather quickly, in fact – especially as his January move to Tyneside approaches, possibly followed by a loan out to another club to see more game time.
Something must be said of his composure amidst it all; whereby his Central Coast Mariners debut has welcomed a myriad of milestones in the 12 months since.
This meteoric rise and being faced with a set of new challenges hasn’t affected his confidence. Instead, it's only amplified it, and that's exactly why he's expected to lead the national team over the coming years - one whose courage on the pitch carries world-class quality with it.
According to Kuol, Brazil, Argentina, or any other nation at their level are not out of reach, and that claim should not just be attributed to youthful exuberance, but rather 'passion' and 'heart'.
Kuol has that in abundance. It’s now time the next generation of Australian footballers have it too.
