Tasmanian Nathaniel Atkinson plays for Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup
While a moment to forget may have been harshly critiqued by a Socceroos legend, there’s no doubt local hero Nathaniel Atkinson did his home state proud at the World Cup on Wednesday.
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While his first touch at the World Cup may have been harshly critiqued by a Socceroos legend, there’s no doubt that local hero Nathaniel Atkinson did his home state proud on the international football stage on Wednesday.
The Launceston native made history in Qatar when he became the first Tasmanian to play at a FIFA World Cup in the Socceroos 4-1 loss to defending champions France.
It was a hot start for Australia’s national team who caught their highly fancied opponents’ off-guard in the ninth minute with Craig Goodman scoring a terrific goal off a pass from Mathew Leckie.
Things quickly shifted back in France’s favour just 23 minutes later when Olivier Giroud scored the second of France’s four goals with Socceroos legend Harry Kewell critical of Atkinson on SBS during the coverage after he was dispossessed by Adrien Rabiot.
“Atkinson’s first touch is poor. It was a great little flick by Mbappe and he has put it on a plate for Olivier Giroud. For a striker, that is the best goal you can score,” Kewell said.
“Unfortunately, we scored goals from mistakes and that is a bad mistake. But plenty of time to get back into the game.”
It was more than a tough assessment from the Australian legend with Kylian Mbappe, who won the best young player at the 2018 World Cup, considered one of the best soccer players in the world and Rabiot riding high on momentum after putting through the early equaliser against Australia.
Atkinson’s younger brother Koby is clearly aware of the talent of Mbappe with proud mum Kristy dropping the following comment on a Facebook post from Riverside FC on Wednesday morning before the game.
“Me to Koby – imagine getting to play on Mbappe... Koby – yeah it would be hell,” the comment read.
Atkinson was eventually subbed out in the 85th minute with the Socceroos next group stage clash scheduled against Tunisia on Saturday at 9pm AEDT.
History made as Tassie has first World Cup hero
TASMANIAN Nathaniel Atkinson has stepped on to the biggest stage in soccer at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar against the defending champion France.
With the Socceroos back to full strength for their World Cup opener, Atkinson joined the team on the $1.3 billion Al Janoub Stadium at 6am on Wednesday to face Les Bleus and become the first Tasmanian to play at the World Cup.
Only a month ago, Atkinson’s World Cup campaign was in doubt when the 23-year-old defender left on crutches waring a moon boot after an injury in Scottish team Hearts’ UEFA Conference League defeat to Fiorentina.
After debuting with the Olyroos at the Tokyo Olympic Games, the former Melbourne City ace has been in super form since transferring to Hearts.
Scans cleared him of significant damage to his ankle and Socceroos coach Graham Arnold named Atkinson in his World Cup squad of 26.
“I had a couple of sleepless nights waiting for my scan results to come back. It was a weight off my shoulders when I learned I could get back for the World Cup,” Atkinson said.
The Tasmanian is likely to be Australia’s starting right-back against France.
Before he left Scotland for Qatar, Atkinson said his game was on the rise.
“I’m playing with confidence and I know it’s just about starting games early and with confidence, and with the World Cup coming up it’s just that extra bit of motivation,” he said.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley said Atkinson’s selection was a proud moment for the state.
“Nathaniel’s star has risen phenomenally in the past few years, and it is very exciting that he will now be representing Australia in Qatar,” Mr Bulkeley said.
“The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event on the planet and Nathaniel is the first Tasmanian to be selected to play in it.
“I know the whole state will be very proud of Nathaniel’s achievement, and will be wishing him the very best as watch on from afar throughout the tournament.”
Australia plays France, starting 6am Wednesday.
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