Socceroos defender Kye Rowles said Australia’s odds defying run to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Round of 16 had been a massive learning experience for both him and his teammates.
Rowles, whose only previous Socceroos appearances came in Australia’s June friendly with Jordan and play-off victories over Peru and UAE, started in all four of Australia’s matches at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
The 24-year-old formed an imperious combination at the back with Harry Souttar and an Australian defence that kept two clean sheets and their first at a World Cup in 48 years.
At the end of the Group Stage, Rowles had blocked six shots – more than any other player at the tournament.
Rowles said he and his teammates had taken away a number of key lessons after being tasked with facing likes of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Christian Eriksen over the course of their campaign.
“It’s a whole bunch of learning really, coming up against France - top five team, Argentina - top three, Denmark – top ten.” Rowles said.
“You verse the best players, best teams and you can’t give them a second, if you switch off for any time in the game, you get punished and I think we were great with that after the first game and just unfortunate that we got cut short in the end.”
Rowles, who now has seven Socceroos appearances to his name, said in reflection to play on the world stage in front of his family and friends was a special experience.
“Amazing experience, obviously my first time at a World Cup and to be in the knockouts is pretty special but it’s a bit bittersweet at the moment,” Rowles said.
“I’m really proud of the performance we put on, but just an unfortunate result in the end.
“It’s always special to have your close ones there watching you in such a special occasion but we were really pushing hard in the last 20-15 minutes and come up just short, I mean we really pushed them.”