Ticket booked: Shepparton’s Garang Kuol has been named in Graham Arnold’s 26-man World Cup squad. Photo: AAP
The fairytale continues for Shepparton’s star football export Garang Kuol after the 18-year-old was named in the Socceroos’ 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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The selection marks an incredible year for the Central Coast Mariners youngster.
After bursting onto the scene for the Mariners last season, including a goal seven minutes into his debut, the exciting forward has wowed onlookers at every step of his journey.
Kuol quickly proved himself to be one of the A-League’s most damaging players, finishing his debut season with four goals from a handful of appearances.
His dazzling domestic form was rewarded with a spot in the A-League All-Star squad that took on Barcelona in May and it was his performance against the Spanish giant that truly captured the attention of the footballing world.
After replacing fellow World Cup debutant and Mariners teammate Jason Cummings in the 57th minute, Kuol was in on the action 10 minutes in, outmuscling Barcelona’s Antonia Aranda and surging past speedster Adama Traoré toward goal.
Kuol left two more defenders in his wake as he steamrolled through the middle of Barcelona’s defence on a spectacular run, his crafty chip rolling just wide of goal.
Electric: Kuol showed no fear coming up against some of the stars of world soccer in the A-League All Stars match in May. Photo: AAP Image/Brett Hemmings
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BRETT HEMMINGS
It wasn’t long before the teenager was called up to represent his country and it was a pre-World Cup friendly against New Zealand that his dream finally materialised, as he pulled on the green and gold for his first Australia cap.
Kuol’s football future abroad is also assured and swirling transfer rumours were put to bed in September when he put pen to paper on a deal with English Premier League giant Newcastle United.
The Mariners forward will complete his move to Tyneside when the transfer window opens in January.
Despite having not started an A-League match this season, two assists off the bench in round five at the weekend against Western Sydney Wanderers sealed his selection in Graham Arnold’s squad.
The former Goulburn Valley Sun will soon be on a plane to Qatar, off to represent his country on world soccer’s biggest stage.
The Socceroos begin their quest for World Cup glory with a clash against reigning champion France on November 22.
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