Teen’s chance to shine for Cup
SOCCEROOS bolter Garang Kuol has vowed to be “ruthless” in his bid for selection in Australia’s World Cup squad.
The Central Coast Mariners attacker, who turns 18 on Thursday, received an early birthday present on Wednesday when he was selected in a 31-man Socceroos squad for this month’s two-game series against New Zealand.
Kuol – who shot to prominence when he took on Spanish giants Barcelona at the MCG in May with the ALeague All-Stars team – is one of seven uncapped players in the Graham Arnold-coached squad.
The other potential debutants are Kuol’s Scotland-born Mariners teammate Jason Cummings, midfielders Keanu Baccus, Cameron Devlin and Tyrese Francois, defender Harrison Delbridge and the versatile Ryan Strain.
“With two games in four days, this camp provides us with a unique opportunity to bring in some new players who can push for selection ahead of the World Cup,” said Arnold, whose team meets the All Whites next Thursday in Brisbane and again on Sunday week in Auckland.
“The incentive couldn’t be bigger. There’s a place at the World Cup at stake and if you’re working hard and playing well, then there’s an opportunity for you to represent your country on the biggest stage.”
The squad also includes 34year-old Japan-based goalkeeper Mitch Langerak, who has been lured out of international retirement by Arnold.
Missing from the squad that sealed Australia’s 2022 World Cup qualification via June’s playoffs are injured pair Kye Rowles and Craig Goodwin, midfielders Kenny Dougall and Gianni Stensness, left back Jason Davidson, striker Nick D’Agostino, and veteran goalkeeper Danny Vukovic.
“It’s great that I can pick 31 and actually have to make some terrible phone calls to players that I left out,” Arnold said. “I believe so much in this group of players.”
They include Kuol, who vowed to make his family proud.
“It’s just a huge privilege to be here,” said Kuol, the younger brother of 21-year-old former Mariners striker Alou Kuol, who is now at German club Stuttgart. “I’ve always wanted to play for the Socceroos but I never thought it would happen so early.”