Australia boss Graham Arnold says facing up to Kylian Mbappe was a 'great lesson' for Nathaniel Atkinson.
The Hearts star was handed the daunting task of trying to stop the France and PSG superstar during their World Cup section opener. The Socceroos took a shock early lead but the world champions hit back with four goals to run out comfortable winners. Mbappe was causing havoc all evening with his pace and technical ability. The Jambos man lasted 85 minutes before being replaced his his boss praising his efforts in the showdown.
Kye Rowles played the full match in the heart of the defence after recently returning to action for Robbie Neilson's side while Cammy Devlin was an unused sub. Former Hibs favourite Jason Cummings climbed off the bench to make his World Cup debut in a moment he will never forget - despite the end result. Speaking after the defeat, the Socceroos boss said: “The kid actually did decently well. He did his best against one of the best players in the world.
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"Especially in the first half we had (Mat) Leckie and Jackson Irvine to help him, that was the plan – when Mbappe got the ball, the three of them got out there and helped.
“But how do you stop someone so quick? It’s very difficult. It’s a great lesson for the kid. He’ll move on from it.”
Former Liverpool and England star Danny Murphy, who was commentating on the match gave his views on the head to head battle at the time. He added: “He’s got the ability to do that to any full-back, never mind Atkinson.
“It’s not disrespectful to him. He’s got to try and stop a train when he’s in full flow.
"You can’t. He’s quick feet, he’s got skill, he’s got awareness, he’s got power, he’s got everything.”
Australia face two more games in the section as they bid to reach the next stage. They come up against Denmark and Tunisia - who played out a goalless draw in their opener.
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