Australia’s Jordan Bos emerged as one of the most impressive performers FIFA World Cupand fly backs have not only helped the Socceroos reach the knockout stages but also overtake some of football’s best, including Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.The 23-year-old will also be in action on Friday when Australia face Egypt’s Mohamed Salah in the Round of 32 at the Dallas Stadium, with both nations chasing their first victory in the knockout stage of the men’s FIFA World Cup.The winner will receive a blockbuster showdown in the last 16 against defending champions Argentina, who are favorites against fellow Cape Verdeans.
Bos clocks faster than Mbappe and Haaland
Bos announced himself to the world during Australia’s 2-0 win over Turkey, with FIFA data recording his top speed at 36.7 km/h (22.8 mph).That put him ahead of several feared strikers and defenders in the opening group stage, including France captain Kylian Mbappe, Norway striker Erling Haaland, Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven and Uzbekistan full-back Abdukodir Khusanov.A former left-back, Bos also showed his versatility by playing at right-back during Australia’s goalless draw with Paraguay, which put the Socceroos in a defensive position against their United States.
Australia are chasing a historic World Cup title
Australia will now look to make history against Egypt, who also reached the Round of 32 after finishing second in their group, highlighted by their 3-1 win over New Zealand – the country’s first FIFA World Cup win.No nation has ever won the World Cup, guaranteeing that someone will break the new record in Texas.Bos’s rapid rise has marked an impressive campaign for Australia. After coming through Melbourne City’s academy, he joined Belgian club KVC Westerlo in 2023 for what was then a transfer fee for a player leaving the Australian league. Just two years later, Dutch giants Feyenoord signed him for five million euros following two impressive seasons in Belgium.Despite growing links linking him with another lucrative move to one of Europe’s elite clubs, Bos is focused on Australia’s World Cup campaign.“I don’t worry too much or think about it too much,” Bos said. “I’m just living in the moment and trying to do my best for the world. Whatever happens, happens, but right now it’s not on my mind.”
