Newcastle United supporters were almost as devastated as Garang Kuol after the youngster missed a late chance to pull Australia level. Fans had been keen to watch the newly-signed Toon youngster in Qatar, with just 16 minutes of action until the last-16 tie last night.
Kuol got his chance to shine for the final stretch of the Socceroos' 2-1 defeat to Argentina, making history by becoming the youngest player since Brazil icon Pele to feature in a World Cup knockout game. The prospect must have pinched himself at the prospect of facing Lionel Messi - who made his professional debut 10 months before he was born.
However, his experience in the Middle East would end in heartbreak as Australia were edged out at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. The 18-year-old was denied a clear-cut opportunity in the 97th minute by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
