Melbourne Victory manager Kevin Muscat praised the performance by former Central Coast Mariner Mitch Austin, who collected Man of the Match honours in his debut for the club against Juventus at the MCG.
The Victory won the opening tie of the International Champions Cup on penalties 4-3, after the match was level 1-1 at the competition of regular time.
Taking up position on the left-side of a 4-3-3, causing the Juve defence all sorts of worry in what was a very promising display.
“He [Austin] has a very good left-foot on him. He has some big weapons, can get by people with pace and once his puts his shoulder over the ball, there’s not getting back,” Muscat said.
“He was licking his lips every time the ball went out there because he could sense the opportunity. He has only been out here three weeks.”
“It was just important to get some minutes in the players. It was a well-worth exercise and an honour and privilege to be playing such a powerhouse of world football.”
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Muscat was quick to quell the hype over 16-year-old Sebastian Pasuali, with the youngster impressing off the bench in the second-half before clinching the all-important decisive penalty in the shootout.
“It was exciting for the younger players out there. Our goal would have been fitting of 3 points,” he said.
“Sebastian Pasquali is a young man learning his trade and he has shown some good signs. He is very fresh.”
“It was a big night for the youngster. We asked him to come on and contribute and he did. He wasn’t on his own.”
“He is a young boy. We should not get over-excited. He would not be playing or training with us if he did not have ability.”
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