Australia’s Jordan Bos emerged as one of the surprise stars of the FIFA World Cupwith the flying full-back not only helping the Socceroos reach the knockout stage but also surpassing some of football’s biggest speedsters, including Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.The 23-year-old is back in the spotlight on Friday when Australia take on Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in the Round of 32 at Dallas Stadium, with both nations chasing their first ever victory in a men’s FIFA World Cup knockout match.The winner will likely earn a blockbuster last-16 showdown against defending champions Argentina, who are heavy favorites against tournament debutants Cabo Verde.
Bos sprints faster than Mbappe and Haaland
Bos announced himself on the world stage during Australia’s opening 2-0 win over Turkey, where FIFA data recorded his top speed at an impressive 36.7 km/h (22.8 mph).That made him faster than many of the tournament’s most feared attackers and defenders during the opening round of group stage games, including France captain Kylian Mbappe, Norway striker Erling Haaland, Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven and Uzbekistan centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.Primarily an attacking left back, Bos also showed his versatility by playing up front on the right during Australia’s goalless draw with Paraguay, a result that earned the Socceroos a place in the knockout rounds behind co-hosts the United States.
Australia are chasing a historic World Cup collapse
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 historic 3-1 win over New Zealand — the country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup victory.No country has ever won a World Cup knockout match before, which guarantees that one will break new ground in Texas.Bos’ rapid rise mirrored Australia’s impressive campaign. After arriving at Melbourne City’s academy, he joined Belgian club KVC Westerlo in 2023 for what was then a record transfer fee for a player leaving Australia’s domestic 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 don’t worry about it or think about it,” 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.”