ARLINGTON, Texas : Zlatan Ibrahimovic offered words of encouragement to Australian teenager Lucas Herrington after the defender’s missed penalty ended Australia’s World Cup campaign in a shootout defeat to Egypt.
The 18-year-old centre back struck the crossbar with Australia’s fourth penalty in the shootout, allowing Hossam Abdelmaguid to convert the decisive spot kick as Egypt secured a 4-2 shootout victory following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
The result extended Australia’s wait for a first-ever World Cup knockout-stage win.
Working as a World Cup analyst for Fox, Ibrahimovic reached out publicly to the young defender with a message of support.
“Penalty is like lottery. You score, you become a hero, you don’t score, sadly you become zero,” the Swedish great said.
“I just want to reach out to Herrington. You’re 18 years old, you’re young, this is just the beginning of your career.
“You stepping up there, you showed a lot of courage, not everybody will do that. My friend, you’re the best. Don’t listen to the rest.
“But listen, Herrington, if you want to reach out, I’m here.”
Australia fielded a youthful side, with six members of the starting lineup aged 23 or younger, including Herrington.
The teenager admitted he was disappointed but said Ibrahimovic’s message meant a great deal.
“I’m probably the first one to be knocking myself down and being hard on myself, so to hear that from a legend of the game means a lot,” Herrington said.
“I think a lot of people would be wondering why I stepped up. The coaching side of the team had my back—they believed in me. I made my penalties during the week. We practiced it. I was confident, so I knew where I wanted to put it. I did my routine and, unfortunately, it didn’t go my way.”
Despite the painful exit, Herrington’s willingness to take responsibility at such a young age drew praise from one of football’s biggest personalities, offering the defender encouragement as he begins what many expect to be a promising international career.
