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.
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Despite being on the back foot for most of the game, a stroke of luck through a heavy deflection cut the two-goal deficit in half and ensured a nervy finish. Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez was called upon with a last-ditch block to deny Aziz Behich a certain equaliser.
But the Socceroos would have one more chance…
With the last attack of the game, Kuol found himself free as a bird six yards from goal. Toon fans were ready to jump for joy alongside the Aussies but it was not to be. Martinez produced one of the saves of the tournament as Messi and Co progressed to the quarter-finals.
It was not just Australians who were distraught for the young forward on social media. While he may have fluffed his lines, Newcastle fans are excited by what the future holds for Kuol on Tyneside.
@ryandavid97: Garang Kuol, that is gutting, could have been folklore. Unlucky lad! #nufc
@AbdiNufc_9: Gutted for Kuol. That would have been some moment.
@kevyoun98832081: The Geordie nation were off their chair for Garang Kuol at the end there. When you're at our club we are all in for you... World Cup at 18 is fantastic
@Ginkohro: Kuol… so, so close #nufc #wc2022
@thomashammond__: Garang Kuol is such a talent, amazing to think that we have him #NUFC
@Man_about_Toon: Imagine how good Kuol is going to be when he's coached by Eddie #NUFC
@nufcsanjay: It's a really small thing, but the way Garang Kuol uses his body to hold off Tagliafico and turn in one action - and then shoot on the spin - is impressive. Instincts like that are purely natural. A very good sign. #NUFC
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