Patrick Yazbek took time after his Australia debut to reflect on the experience and his first taste of Subway Socceroos success.
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Yazbek was part of the Green and Gold squad throughout the Asian Cup but didn't get a chance to feature off the bench in a hotly contested tournament.
However, on Tuesday night he made his Green and Gold bow in the 55th minute in a special moment for the young midfielder and his family.
“It’s an honour to represent Australia,” he said.
“I was once one of these kids in the stands.
"I’m trying not to get too caught up in the moment, I’ve had a couple of opportunities to make a debut and tonight was a great night for it.
“My family was in the crowd, in Australia and against Lebanon which is my family's heritage and where we came from so I couldn’t have asked for a better debut.”
Tweet: https://x.com/patyazb3k/status/1772886481880686750?s=20
With the match in Canberra, Yazbek had the privilege of playing his first minutes for the senior national team in front of his loved ones and was delighted to have his family and friends watching from the stands - the people who helped the debutant reach where he is today.
“I’ve got my mum, my dad, my girlfriend, all of my best mates, my family - those who are most important to me,” he said.
“Obviously being a Tuesday night it can be difficult for others to be here but it’s a blessing to be able to play in front of them because playing overseas you don’t get that luxury every week.
“I just tried to make the most of it and I hope they enjoyed the experience just as much as I did.”
Yazbek cited his experience with the Socceroos at the Asian Cup as key to allowing him to make such a strong showing on debut.
The assertive midfielder played a vital role in setting up John Iredale’s first goal for the Socceroos, making a positive run in behind before playing a pinpoint pass - with his weak foot - across the box to allow the forward to tap it home.
Tweet: https://x.com/Socceroos/status/1772571991805223400?s=20
Yazbek remained humble when looking back on his incisive assist, instead referencing his experience in the Socceroos camp and in particular what he’s learnt from fellow midfielder Jackson Irvine.
“Being in this group for a little bit, I’ve been able to build some connections with players,” he said.
“I’ve been kind of understudying Jaco (Jackson Irvine) in the training sessions and the Asian Cup, so I guess it came quite naturally.”
In a final reflection on his fantastic debut, Yazbek spoke about his Lebanese heritage, what Australia means to him and his pride in wearing the Socceroos jersey.
“I know there’s a massive Lebanese community in Australia and a lot of them aren’t as fortunate as I am,” he said.
“Even to those people in Lebanon - my immediate family - it’s honestly such a privilege to be an Australian because we have so much opportunity here and it’s something that I don’t take for granted.
“As much as I am an Aussie, I do have that touch with my Lebanese side, and it’s just a blessing to play for Australia.”