Newcastle’s incoming teenage sensation, Garang Kuol became the club’s first representative to bow out of the competition after a spirited Australia were beaten 2-1 by Argentina.
Lionel Messi scored his first ever World Cup knock-out round goal, followed by a goal from Alvarez to put Argentina 2-0 up in the tie. But the Socceroos weren’t taking it lying down and managed to get a goal back mere moments after Kuol had come off the bench.
The Aussies almost pulled off the impossible with the last kick of the game as Kuol brought down the ball in the box with a magnificent touch, then spinning to face goal, he lashed a shot towards the corner but Aston Villa’s Martinez was out quick as a flash to smother the shot and ensure that Argentina headed into the Quarter Final.
Speaking after the game (via The Sunday Morning Herald) Kuol, who became the youngest player since Pele to play in a World Cup knockout game, said: “It was pretty close. It was a tough one to not go in, and a good save. I didn’t really see much of (it)… I was turning around and just tried to shoot but, on the replay, I could see the keeper rushed out. I think it’s just a learning curve.
He talked about the growing popularity of the sport in Australia: “People think (players) in Europe can fly or something. But we’re all humans, we’re all on two feet.
“I think the sport in Australia keeps growing, and it keeps producing better and better players as time goes by. In the future, you’ll see a team that’s at the same level as Argentina and Brazil.”
England is in action tonight with three Newcastle players hoping their stay in Qatar extends beyond today.