The Socceroos, along with Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, have rallied around 18-year-old Lucas Herrington after the teenager's missed penalty in a heartbreaking shootout defeat to Egypt at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Match Summary
After a 1-1 draw following extra time, Harry Souttar blasted Australia's opening penalty over the bar. Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil converted their spot-kicks, but Herrington, the fourth taker, struck the crossbar. Goalkeeper Mat Ryan, substituted in specifically for the shootout, failed to save any of Egypt's four penalties, resulting in a 4-2 loss for Australia.
Coach Tony Popovic Defends Decision
Questions arose over why Herrington was entrusted with the fourth penalty, but coach Tony Popovic defended the choice, citing the teenager's composure throughout the tournament and his success in training. “If he scored, you’re probably sitting there saying, ‘how wonderful it is that an 18-year-old took a penalty and scored,’” Popovic said. “He has played the last two games as an 18-year-old, so if I trust him to play in a game that we needed to get a result against Paraguay, in a game where elimination was on the line, what’s the difference between the two?”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Message of Support
Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic reached out to Herrington via Fox Sports, offering encouragement. “You’re 18 years old, you’re young, this is just the beginning of your career,” Ibrahimovic said. “You stepping up there, you show a lot of courage. Not everybody will do that. My friend, you’re the best. Don’t listen to the rest. Penalty is lottery. It’s not easy to step up there, to shoot that penalty, and it’s a moment of seconds. Either it goes well or it goes not. But listen, Herrington, if you want to reach out, I’m here.”
Herrington's Reaction
Herrington smiled upon hearing of the support. “I’m probably the first one to be knocking myself down and being hard on myself,” he said. “To hear that from a legend of the game means a lot. I’ll just keep working hard and hopefully another moment like that comes for me.”
Teammates Rally Around
Midfielder Jackson Irvine emphasized the team's support for Herrington. “For him to step up in that moment, it takes incredible steel,” Irvine said. He confirmed there was a predetermined order of penalty takers based on practice sessions. “It was 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. They’re your ones, go and win it,” he added. Defender Alessandro Circati was fifth in line, while striker Mohamed Toure was sixth.
Veterans Aziz Behich and Awer Mabil both advised Herrington to keep his head up, while Nestory Irankunda expressed pride in his teammate. Souttar, who was “gutted” after his own miss, lauded Herrington for marking superstar Mohamed Salah for 120 minutes. “For him to go through that at this age is just going to let him grow even stronger,” Souttar said. “The guy’s been unbelievable. He’s marking one of the best wingers we’ve seen in the last 10 years. He was incredible. I’ve got no worries that that is going to affect him in any way. He’s just going to grow from it and certainly get stronger.”
Looking Ahead
Colorado Rapids defender Herrington said his teammates' support gave him confidence. “I know my team have my back and it’s just one of those moments that didn’t go our way,” he said. “We’ll just keep working and get back ready for the next World Cup.”
