Rising star: Garang Kuol made his debut for Australia against New Zealand on Sunday. Photo: AAP Image/Darren England
Shepparton's Garang Kuol lived out every young soccer player’s dream on Sunday afternoon, pulling on the green and gold of Australia for the first time.
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Taking to the field in the Socceroos’ game against New Zealand at Auckland’s Eden Park, Kuol, 18, came off the bench in the 73rd minute to become the youngest player to debut for the side since Harry Kewell in 1996.
Strutting his stuff in front of almost 35,000 supporters, Kuol played a key role in Australia’s second goal of the game, making an impact five minutes after his introduction.
Running onto a clearance, Kuol used his speed and control to keep the ball in play, outpacing two opponents before sprinting down the wing and playing the ball into the box.
While Kuol’s pass did not directly result in a goal, a handball in the play that followed led to an Australian penalty, which was converted by fellow Central Coast Mariner Jason Cummings.
Speaking in the post-game press conference after securing a 2-0 win, Australia coach Graham Arnold said he told Kuol to go out and play like he does at club level.
“I think he showed some quality when he came on, but it’s just the start of it,” Arnold said.
“He’s got so much more to learn and his body needs to build much more.”
High fives: Garang Kuol (right) celebrates the win with fans in attendance. Photo: AAP Image/Andrew Cornaga/via Photosport).
Arnold said Sunday’s game was just the beginning for the former Goulburn Valley Sun, with decision making, defensive efforts and strength all areas set to grow.
“It’s a great experience for the kid,” he said.
“I just wanted to bring him in to give him the experience of the culture of the Socceroos.
“He’s come in and settled in very well, all the boys love him, he felt very relaxed when he went out on the pitch because he’s already part of the family.”
A bright spark on the field for the Socceroos, Kuol continues to put his best foot forward for a ticket on the plane to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Kicking off on November 20, Australia has been placed in Group D alongside France, Tunisia and Denmark for the tournament.
One of a number of young talents looking to make the journey, Kuol will have his fingers crossed that he can make the squad, however, nothing is guaranteed.
The 18-year-old’s selection in the national team is another feather in the cap of Shepparton’s soccer scene, with multiple players now pulling on the boots at a representative level.
Fellow Shepparton export James Nieuwenhuizen is currently on tour with the Young Socceroos in Spain, while Lucas Cirillo and Fiorina Iaria recently made the trip to Coffs Harbour to play at the National Youth Championships.
Add to this the fact that Kuol’s brother Alou plays at German club VFB Stuttgart, the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers scheduled for Shepparton and the short-listing of McEwen Reserve as a base-camp for the Women’s World Cup and it is clear soccer in the Goulburn Valley has a bright future.
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