On the world stage: Australia’s Garang Kuol challenges Argentina's Nicolas Tagliafico for the ball. Photo: AP/Thanassis Stavrakis
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(AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
It was almost the perfect script.
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At 7.30am AEDT on Sunday morning, Shepparton’s Garang Kuol came off the bench in one of the most important soccer games in Australian history — and in the last minute, he almost scored the equaliser.
Coming on as a 72nd minute substitute in Australia’s World Cup round of 16 clash with Argentina on Sunday morning, Kuol took on one of the greatest players of all time — Lionel Messi — and became the youngest player to play in the knockout stages of a Men’s World Cup since Pelé in 1958.
While his last-minute shot was saved by Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, for one moment the young man from Shepparton had the attention of millions of people around the globe.
“I was telling myself that I’d come on and score a goal, and Arnie (Graham Arnold) was telling me to come on and do the the same thing,” Kuol told keepup.com.au
“When I wasn’t able to score, I was very disappointed, but we move on.
“I didn’t really see much of it. I just turned around and tried to shoot. It was only when I saw the replay I could see the keeper rushed out. It’s just a learning curve.”
Despite falling to Argentina 2-1 in Qatar, the Socceroos’ clash with the world heavyweight was more than just a game of soccer — it was a sporting event unlike any other.
For much of the contest, the South American powerhouse controlled the game, with Messi pulling the strings in the middle of the park.
In the 35th minute, some individual brilliance from the man loved by many saw his side go 1-0 up, before a defensive error soon after half-time saw the green-and-gold go 2-0 down.
Yet in a true showing of spirit, the Australians did not give up, and when Craig Goodwin’s shot deflected into the back of the net to make the score 2-1, supporters dared to dream.
This was when the ball fell to Kuol. However, unfortunately for the 18-year-old, it was not meant to be, with a narrow Martinez save all that stood between him and sending the game to extra time.
Speaking after the game, Australian coach Graham Arnold said he could not be more proud of his players.
“Of course we’re a bit disappointed because I felt that we could’ve got something more out of it,” Arnold said.
“But I’m pretty sure and I really hope that Australia is very proud of these players.
“Garang had a great chance at the end but he’s a kid and he’ll learn from it and move forward.”
Pressure: Kuol battles Argentina's Lionel Messi for the ball. Photo: AAP
Across the nation, thousands of supporters made their way to public viewing areas to watch the contest unfold, with a healthy crowd gathering at Shepparton’s Victoria Park Lake for the match.
Despite not progressing past the round of 16, this Socceroos team has captured a nation’s imagination in a way that no other sport has or probably ever will.
The playing squad reflected the modern make-up of Australia, it epitomised the underdog narrative that underlines so much of the nation’s identity and perhaps — most significantly — it has changed the face of Australian soccer forever.
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