‘It's a moment I’ll never forget’: Leckie’s pride at captaining Australia

Mathew Leckie has spoken of his pride at leading the Caltex Socceroos as Australia got off to a winning start in their FIFA World Cup 2022™ qualifying campaign.

Leckie became the 61st player to captain the Caltex Socceroos in Wednesday morning’s (AEST) strong win over Kuwait in the Middle East.

And the Hertha Berlin attacker capped the occasion with the opening two goals as Australia record a 3-0 victory to begin their journey to Qatar in sensational fashion.

“It means everything. I love playing for my country…as a young boy you always dream to,” Leckie told Socceroos.com.au after the match.

“For me to get the opportunity to captain the side, it’s something you never really expect.

WRAP: Leckie brace, Mooy stunner gives Australia perfect start in Kuwait
WATCH: All the highlights from the 3-0 win over Kuwait

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“It’s an honour and I have to thank Arnie [coach Graham Arnold], he let me know yesterday and to come away with a 3-0 win in an away game and start like this, it couldn’t have gone much better.

“It’s a moment I’ll never forget, I’m very honoured.”

The Australians expected a tough battle in stifling conditions in Kuwait but made the ideal start as Leckie put them ahead inside seven minutes.

The 28-year-old doubled the lead on the half-hour mark when he swivelled and shot in the one movement from Jackson Irvine’s downward header.

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A sublime strike from Aaron Mooy made it 3-0 before half-time with the Caltex Socceroos producing a professional performance in the second-half to ice the result.

“It is always tough qualification in Asia, especially away games. We had a good training camp (and) we were fortunate that we only had one game this camp, so we had a good week to prepare,” Leckie said.

“The boys showed a good mentality today, a lot of concentration, those are the things you need playing in these conditions.

“It is very warm, so I think it comes down to the mental game. 3-0 away, it is never easy, but we got the job done.”

MORE: Watch the Caltex Socceroos live, free and on-demand

WATCH: Mooy curls in a cracker to make it 3-0

Mooy added: “We tried to score more goals but we didn’t manage to. In those conditions, it’s a good result and its away from home so we’re happy with that.

“The team played great and we’re just looking forward to the next games.”

With three points now safely secured, focus will swiftly turn to October’s home clash at GIO Stadium in Canberra against Nepal.

“It is always a good occasion when we get to play at home and I am sure the fans will come out and see us and support us,” said Mooy.

“We are all looking forward to it.”

To purchase tickets to Australia's clash with Nepal in Canberra, CLICK HERE.

Hear from Aaron Mooy after the 3-0 win over Kuwait
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