Caltex Socceroos’ forward Daniel Arzani says he’s ‘absolutely buzzing’ after netting his first senior international goal in the side's 2-1 friendly win over Hungary overnight.
The 19-year-old was handed just his second ever cap when he arrived into the fray in the 73rd minute in place of Robbie Kruse.
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And it took the Melbourne City starlet just 67 seconds to edge the Caltex Socceroos into the lead with his opening involvement, stepping inside from the left wing and unleashing a shot that dipped underneath the grasp of Hungary gloveman Dénes Dibusz.
Arzani's ability to dart inside from either flank and slalom past defenders became something of a trademark during the 19-year-old's debut 2017/18 Hyundai A-League campaign, and the Iranian-born attacker said his first touch could not have been more ideal.
"It’s where I like getting the ball, on the edge of the box one on one with the defender," Arzani told socceroos.com.au.
"I got a little bit lucky as well but I’m just happy with the way it worked out."
The nonchalant celebrations that accompanied his first senior international goal mirrors the humility and eagerness that Arzani has applied throughout the Caltex Socceroos' build up to the FIFA World Cup™ since arriving for the side's pre-tournament training camp in Antalya.
WATCH DANIEL ARZANI'S GOAL IN THE VIDEO AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE
Arzani will be youngest player to feature at the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ and while an inevitable whirlwind of excitement will follow him as the Caltex Socceroos descend in Kazan for this Saturday's Group C opener against France, the forward is remaining focused.
"Heading into such a massive tournament it's important to be getting wins going into it and just to get the confidence of the boys up and I think that’s what were doing now and doing really well.
"It's really, really important especially coming up against big teams [like France, Denmark and Peru] – I think having those wins [over Czech Republic and Hungary] coming into the tournament gives us a bit of team belief.
"I’m absolutely buzzing – I can't wait!"
Australia commences their FIFA World Cup™ campaign against France next Saturday 16 June, 8.00pm (AEST).
Stay tuned for exclusive Caltex Socceroos training camp photos, footage and insight onsocceroos.com.au or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
