Qatar 2022: Newcastle legend Shearer ‘in love’ with Australia star Garang Kuul

Newcastle signing Garang Kuol caught the eye of Toon legend Alan Shearer in Australia’s World Cup defeat.

Shearer praised 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.

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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.

Speaking to the 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.”