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.
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The Magpies agreed a deal to sign the wonderkid in September and are expected to officially join in January. However, he will be loaned back out to Central Club Mariners for the rest of the campaign.
Kuol wasted no time getting to know his new supporters following his arrival. Just 24 hours after news broke about a move, the Aussie international was sighted in the away end for Newcastle’s 4-1 win at Fulham.
It is not just fans on Tyneside who are taking note of the forward's potential. Speaking to BBC post-match, club legend Shearer was impressed by Kuol's cameo despite his last-minute miss.
“He came on as a substitute and didn’t half put himself around, didn’t he?” Shearer said. “He let the defenders know he was there and I was thinking ‘is this his moment?’ The goalkeeper needs a lot of praise there, he’s out quickly to block it there… the last kick of the game virtually.”
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