Mitchell Duke’s 54th-minute header put Australia ahead,but the introduction of Kuol,his Central Coast Mariners strike partner Jason Cummings and Scotland-based midfielder Cameron Devlin shortly afterwards gave them even further impetus,as each put their hands up for a spot in Arnold’s final 26-man squad.
Kuol,who is expected to sign imminently for Newcastle United,created the opening for the Socceroos’ second goal with a blistering run down the right flank before playing in Riley McGree,who forced a great save out of Kiwi shotstopper Oli Sail.
Cummings took a swing at the rebound,but it was blocked from going in by the hand of former A-League defender Liberato Cacace,who gave away a penalty which the Scottish-born striker – whose mother was born in Australia – dispatched confidently in the 80th minute.
Kuol,who turned 18 two weeks ago,also had a great chance to score himself in the dying minutes,but his attempt from an acute angle was deflected,although he generally showed the sort of line-breaking ability that the Socceroos have so often lacked.
Kuol,Cummings and Devlin,who helped straighten out their dysfunctional midfield,were among five debutants fielded off the bench,along with St Mirren pair Ryan Strain and Keanu Baccus.
“I’m really proud of those young boys,” Arnold said on Network 10. “I’ll go back and review it and have a close look at things before I’d say publicly. But it’s just refreshing to see the young faces,their energy was fantastic. It’s great that they’re knocking on the door.