Socceroos starlet Garang Kuol admits experiencing his maiden FIFA World Cup and facing some of the best players on the planet will expedite his development.
Kuol played two matches in Qatar – both as a substitute – against France in the opening group stage match, becoming the ninth youngest player to debut in the tournament, and subsequently in a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16.
Going into the major tournament Kuol had one cap to his name, a cameo appearance in a September friendly against New Zealand.
After appearing against the Albiceleste, the prodigious talent also became the youngest player to feature in the knockout stages of the competition since Brazilian immortal Pele in 1958.
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Speaking in the mixed zone post game, Kuol revealed he relished the overall experience and representing his country with pride.
“It was a good experience for me personally as a young player to play players at that level,” the youngest-ever World Cup Socceroo said.
“So I feel like it fast tracks my development, I have to adapt to that level and the kind of players I want to be versing week in week out.”
The Aussies ultimately went down 2-1 against one of the pre-tournament favourites, but not before mounting a stirring fightback, nearly forcing extra-time.
Craig Goodwin’s 77th minute strike took a heavy deflection, and credited as an Enzo Fernandez own goal, before Aziz Behich almost scored a goal of the tournament contender following a surging run.
Kuol then had the last chance of the match, adjusting well to control Goodwin’s cross but saw his shot well-saved by a desperate Emiliano Martinez.
“I was just trying to get a shot off and then after when I see the keeper save it, it was a lot of disappointment and it was tough,” he recounted.
Kuol also discussed the amazing scenes back home with their matches captivating millions of Australians across the country with thousands attending live sites in each city.
He said the passion was incredible and that the team just wanted to keep trying to provide amazing moments for the fans.
“Unreal support from the people back in Australia,” the Newcastle United-bound forward claimed.
“And it’s unreal to see how football can unite the country, whenever we scored and saw those scenes we just wanted to keep making them.”
Despite the setback, Australia could be proud of their efforts as they enjoyed its most successful FIFA World Cup campaign.
It was the first time Australia won two matches, kept two clean sheets and also scored in every match of the tournament – all arriving in open play.
Kuol insisted their results and performances have earned respect not only back home but also from the global football community.
“I think it shows the level Australians have in football,” he continued.
“People will start respecting the Socceroos and see that we can compete as well.”