Alan Shearer praised Newcastle United youngster Garang Kuol after his late World Cup miss. Argentinian hearts were in their mouths when the 18-year-old found space inside the area with seconds to go but Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez denied a dramatic equaliser.
The 97th-minute chance would prove Australia’s last as they crashed out 2-1 at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Despite the miss, Kuol’s prospects were highlighted when he earned a place in the record books after coming off the bench.
His 72nd-minute introduction made him the youngest player to play a World Cup knockout game since Pele in 1958. Should Kuol enjoy a fraction of the success the Brazilian icon had, Newcastle fans will be in for a treat.
