Teen Star Garang Kuol Joins the Australia World Cup Squad

Australia released its World Cup squad on Tuesday and included on the list is Newcastle United-bound teenager Garang Kuol. Kuol, who recently turned 18 in mid-September, has been the youngest Socceroo since Harry Kewell in 1996.

Since the player has yet to start a game for his A-League side, it’s speculated that Kuol will be an impact player for the team. According to Australia coach Graham Arnold, “Garang has shown how he can change a game. He has zero fear and he wants to entertain."

While Arnold has made an interesting addition to the squad, the coach has also made surprising omissions. Some of the cut players include West Bromwich Albion's former Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic, central defender Trent Sainsbury, who plays for Qatari club Al-Wakrah, and Nagoya Grampus keeper Mitch Langerak

In an interview on his squad decisions, Arnold stated, "We need players that are fit and ready and at this moment in time I just felt it was a decision to make on the playing side,"

The team will be playing on November 23 and open their campaign against France before meeting Tunisia and Denmark.