Australian Jordan Bos appeared as one of the surprise stars FIFA World Cupwith the flying full-back not only helping the Socceroos reach the knockout stages, he also outplayed some of football’s biggest speedsters including Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.The 23-year-old will be back in the spotlight on Friday when Australia take on Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in the Round of 16 at the Dallas Stadium, with both nations chasing their first win in a men’s knockout game at the FIFA World Cup.The winner is likely to earn a huge clash in the round of 16 against defending champions Argentina, who are overwhelming favorites against tournament debutants Cabo Verde.
Bos’ watches sprint faster than Mbappe and Haaland
Bos burst onto the global scene during Australia’s opening 2-0 win against Turkey, where FIFA data recorded his top speed at an incredible 36.7 km/h (22.8 mph).That made him faster than several of the tournament’s most feared forwards and defenders during the opening group stage matches, including France captain Kylian Mbappe, Norway forward Erling Haaland, Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven and Uzbekistan centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.Primarily an attacking left-back, Bos also demonstrated his versatility playing further forward on the right during Australia’s goalless draw with Paraguay, a result that secured the Socceroos a place in the knockout rounds behind co-hosts the United States.
Australia is chasing a historic breakthrough to the World Cup
Australia will now look to make history against Egypt, who also reached the last 16 after finishing second in their group, highlighted by their historic 3-1 win over New Zealand — the country’s first FIFA World Cup win.Neither nation has ever won a World Cup knockout game, guaranteeing that one of them will break new ground in Texas.Bos’ rapid rise was reflected in an impressive campaign in Australia. After coming through Melbourne City’s academy, he joined Belgian club KVC Westerlo in 2023 for what was then a record transfer fee for a player leaving the domestic Australian league. Just two years later, Dutch giants Feyenoord signed him for a reported five million euros after two impressive seasons in Belgium.Despite growing speculation linking him with another lucrative move to one of Europe’s elite clubs, Bos remains focused solely on Australia’s World Cup mission.“I’m not too worried about it or think about it much,” Bos said. “I’m just living in the moment and trying to do my best for the country. Whatever happens, happens, but right now it’s not on my mind at all.”
