Plenty of promise for Australia despite last-32 World Cup exit

MIAMI, July 4 : Australia will feel their departure from the World Cup was premature after Friday's heart-wrenching penalty shootout loss to Egypt, but head home with hopes of a promising future with all the young talent that emerged during the tournament. 

The last of the nine teams from the Asian confederation to go out in a highly disappointing tournament for the world's most populous continent, Australia started with a bang in Vancouver but ended with something of a whimper in the Dallas shootout. 

Their 2-0 win over Turkey in their tournament opener suggested that they had finally happened upon a fix to their long-standing Achilles' heel - the lack of goals in the team.

A clinical finish from 20-year-old Nestory Irankunda and a long-range strike from midfielder Connor Metcalfe, 26, had Australians flocking to fan zones back home and triggered record viewing figures on TV, despite the anti-social kickoff times. 

They were to witness no more goals from Australians in the remaining three games at the World Cup as the Socceroos lost 2-0 to the United States, drew 0-0 with Paraguay, and earned the 1-1 draw with Egypt courtesy of Mohamed Hany's own goal.

Many will believe Australia deserved better than a draw against Egypt and there are unlikely to be any recriminations aimed at defensive rock Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington for their missed penalties in the shootout.

Teenager Herrington was one of the finds of the tournament, having shown composure and maturity far beyond his 18 years in central defence.

Wingback Jordan Bos, 23, was another revelation for the Socceroos and the loss of his threat down the right flank was keenly felt after he was forced off the pitch with a knee injury before halftime against the Egyptians.

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