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Chris Knight

Australia make decision on Newcastle wonderkid Garang Kuol for World Cup clash with Argentina

Newcastle United wonderkid Garang Kuol is on the bench once again as Australia face Argentina for place in the World Cup quarter-final. The Socceroos booked their place in the knockout round with a surprise victory over Denmark in their final Group D clash on Wednesday.

Kuol is set to join the Magpies in January from Central Coast Mariners, with a deal for the promising forward announced in September. The A-League wonderkid is yet to make a start for the A-League outfit this season, but was a wildcard selection for Graham Arnold's side in Qatar.

Kuol made his senior debut in a friendly victory over New Zealand three months ago, and became Australia's youngest-ever representative at World Cup with a cameo in their opening defeat to France. The 18-year-old has since been an unused substitute for the narrow wins over Tunisia and Australia, and is again on the bench for the Saturday night encounter with Argentina.

READ MORE: 'Reminds me of Mbappe' - Newcastle have landed 'bargain' talent tipped to shine at World Cup

Arnold made just one change for the round-of-16 tie at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, with Keanu Baccus replacing Craig Goodwin. The victors will face the Netherlands in the quarter-final on Friday night, after Louis van Gaal's side earned a 3-1 victory over the USA.

Argentina starting XI: Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Acuna; Mac Allister, Fernandez, De Paul; Alvarez, Messi, Gomez

Australia starting XI: Ryan; Degenek, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Mooy; Leckie, Irvine, McGree, Baccus; Duke

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