Socceroos cult hero Jason Cummings takes the shine off young star Garang Kuol’s first goal for his country with a VERY cheeky comment – but he could be right!
- Kuol scored late in the 3-1 win over Ecuador
- Finished move started by Alex Robertson
- Jason Cummings was not impressed by the goal
Garang Kuol scored the first of what Aussie football fans hope will be many more goals for his country when he pushed a shot into the net late in his team’s 3-1 victory over Ecuador on Friday night – but one of his teammates was not impressed at all.
The 18-year-old became the fourth youngest player to score for the Australian national team as he completed a move started by Manchester City’s Alex Robertson on his debut.
However, replays showed he appeared to be marginally offside as he kicked the ball in – but with no VAR during the friendly, the goal stood.
Cult hero Jason Cummings put Kuol back on his feet after his first Socceroos goal when he interrupted the young star’s interview (pictured)
The 18-year-old became the fourth-youngest player to score for Australia when he kicked the ball home late in Friday night’s 3-1 win over Ecuador.
Kuol was being interviewed on the field after the siren when his teammate Jason Cummings grabbed him from behind and said, “Hey, Garangski – it was offside!”
The teenager laughed off the comment from the Scottish-born striker, who didn’t make it onto the pitch at CommBank Stadium.
Kuol – who came close to scoring what would have been a stunning goal in Australia’s defeat to Argentina at last year’s World Cup – along with Robertson showed why Graham Arnold’s side could have a bright future if the more veteran stars of the Socceroos move on.
“It’s these senior guys who are crucial to that, they have to lead the way and they’ve done that really well,” said Arnold.
“Let’s not get carried away – these kids need a lot of experience and a lot of playtime in their clubs.
Kuol (pictured celebrating his goal with Marco Tilio) completed a move started by another promising youngster, Manchester City’s Alex Robertson
“These kids have never played South American teams before, but I was very happy with young Alex and Aiden O’Neill was very good.
“These young guys tap the older guys on the shoulder, great.”
Melbourne City midfielder O’Neill was the only player in Arnold’s starting eleven not to go to the World Cup and the familiarity allowed Australia to quickly get into their rhythm.
Mitch Duke was up all night helping set up Irvine for Australia’s opener.
Duke slid low to return a Craig Goodwin free-kick over the box in the 12th minute and Irvine was given the simplest task of tapping in.
Replays showed Duke to be offside, but with no VAR in use, Australia held the lead.
Robertson (pictured with fans after the game) could play for England, Scotland or Peru, but chose Australia
Ecuador responded quickly with a well-taken header from defender Felix Torres.
But Australia were able to storm back into the lead as their high press caught up with the visitors at the back.
Defender Piero Hincape had a ball snatched from him by a harassing Irvine and the midfielder was able to knock off Mabil in the penalty area.
The winger shot the ball into the back of the net and Australia looked promising.
Duke was at his best and the striker was unhappy not to have scored on his return to western Sydney.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold praised Aiden O’Neill after the game for special praise
The striker was taken off shortly after the hour mark with hard-working midfielder Keanu Baccus at the expense of Wanderers forwards Brandon Borrello and Robertson.
Robertson, who has yet to start a senior game for Manchester City, looked confident in his first Socceroos outing and it was his intricate build-up play that initiated a move in front of Kuol’s goal.
Robertson charged left and exchanged passes before finding Aziz Behich, whose cross was tagged in by Kuol.
Arnold said he is likely to make changes to the second friendly against Ecuador in Melbourne on Tuesday.
“It’s a friendly game, but it’s about getting the kids to learn what we want them to do,” said Arnold.
“Ecuador was a good team and I’m very happy with the way the guys played.”