Kuol hype starts as Aussie run ends
HE WAS the kid who nearly became a king – and some day might be.
Garang Kuol was thrown onto the biggest stage of his young life by Graham Arnold chasing an improbable comeback against Argentina. And, with seconds running out, he made every heart in Australia and Argentina skip a beat.
Deep in injury time, Kuol managed to wriggle free of attention and shoot on the turn with just Argentine keeper Emi Martinez to beat.
If it evaded him, the Socceroos would have forced the South American powerhouses into extra-time. But Martinez miraculously got an arm to the ball and it stuck underneath his large, thankful frame.
The Socceroos campaign was effectively over.
The hype around Kuol is just beginning.
“To be honest, I didn’t really see much,” Kuol said after the game. “Just tried to turn around and shoot but on the replay I can see the keeper rushed out.
“Just a learning curve. Pretty tough it didn’t go in. Good save.”
Kuol, who didn’t play in Australia’s wins over Tunisia or Denmark, was introduced in the 71st minute with the Socceroos down 2-0.
The 18-year-old, who had yet to make a start in an ALeague Men’s game for Central Coast, was playing in a World Cup match against one of the planet’s best teams.
“I was telling myself I’d come on and score a goal, and Arnie was telling me the same thing,” Kuol said. “Both had the same expectations, so when I wasn’t able to score, I was very disappointed. Just got to move on.”
Kuol is intent on being a focal point for the Socceroos over the next decade.
“It’s been unreal,” he continued. “Going one-on-one with Messi for a bit, like a dream.
“I think in the future you’ll see a team at the level of Brazil and Argentina.
“People think [players] in Europe can fly or something. All humans. All with two feet. It’s just about the passion and the heart.”
Kuol has thrived during his time in the Socceroos camp and used the opportunity to learn from senior players and Arnold.
“Arnie created a lot of belief in the team, passed it onto the players,” he said. “That DNA.”
Kuol will return home to play a few more games for Central Coast before heading overseas to take up a contract at Newcastle United, although he will probably be loaned out.
When asked about the next step in his career, Kuol began his answer but was stopped by a Socceroos media handler.
“Not too sure yet, exciting,” he said, before the staffer moved Kuol on.
Others were happy to talk about Kuol’s future, namely veteran Socceroo Mat Leckie.
“The key is, he’s getting a lot of attention and it’s the way he deals with it,” Leckie, a World Cup veteran, said.
“He needs to stay humble, work hard, head down. Have the expectation but exceed that expectation with the right mentality. From what I’ve seen in camp he’s a very quiet, humble boy, and got a bright future if he does the right things.
“He creates special moments in games, and can create something from nothing. He’s in a great position, moving over to Europe now. It’s all in front of him.”