In 30 flashy minutes, Daniel Arzani has proven he'll be the Socceroos' fulcrum for a decade to come.
The 19-year-old - the youngest player at the World Cup in Russia - produced a breathtaking cameo in the 1-1 Group C draw with Denmark.
The fleet-footed Arzani mesmerised his Danish opponents in a display hailed by his coach, Bert van Marwijk.
"Everybody knows he's a talent," van Marwijk said.
"He doesn't play so long in the Australian competition so I think it's an exception that I nominated him (for the World Cup).
"He has to learn a lot but he's a very talented ... a very encouraging player."
After getting little more than 10 minutes as a substitute in Australia's 2-1 loss to France in their tournament opener, Arzani was deployed in the 68th minute against the Danes.
"You go out there and ... you think to yourself 'well, everyone's human'," Arzani said.
"And even the top players in the world make mistakes. You relate to that and it gives you confidence.
"I came on feeling really happy, really excited and a little bit relaxed.
"I just wanted to come on and make an impact."
Arzani dazzled the Danes and even had a chance to score a match winner in the 88th minute but was denied by Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
"I had a big chance at the end there, I feel like I should have put that away," he said.
"(I am) a little bit disappointed for the boys.
"I think we dominated most of the second half and deserved to come away with the three points."
Arzani was born in Khorramabad, Iran, and his parents migrated to Australia when the winger was six-years-old.
He only made his full starting debut in the A-League for Melbourne City in January.
Australia then won a tug-of-war with Iran for his services and his time in the World Cup squad has further boosted his confidence.
"I have learnt a lot," he said.
"There's a lot more responsibility when you're coming on for your country.
"I feel like I have handled that OK (but) I still feel like I have got a lot to offer."
- Australian Associated Press
