Arzani was also eligible to play for Iran, the country of his birth and looked like he might slip away from Australia's grasp when he was initially overlooked for a Socceroos call up.

But with his first competitive debut against France on Saturday now under his belt, he is tied to the green and gold.

And the 19 year-old says it was never in any doubt.

"For me, my intention was always to play for Australia," he said today. "I have lived most of my life here and I have a lot to owe to Australian football."

But that moment where he came on for Australia deep into the second half will live with him for ever.

    SEE THE MOMENT ARZANI FEARED HE'D BROKEN CAHILL!

"It was a special moment because when we left Iran, we left because my parents wanted a better life for me and my brother," he said with a hint of emotion today.

"To be able to represent the country that helped us is special."

Sadly his parents weren't at Kazan Arena to see Arzani play. 

"Unfortunately my parents had to fly back to Oz because of some family issues which came up," he revealed. "But my brother's here and my uncle and cousins.

"I saw them all yesterday at our family day and they are all really happy and stoked." 

But Arzani was also quick to hail the impact playing street football as a child in Iran has had on his career, and his trademark cockiness on the field.

He added: "Growing up playing on the streets, you have to have that or else you get eaten alive by the other boys.

"You have to believe in yourself. I think that's where I get a lot of it from..."

And from Kazan, Russia base for the Socceroos, the latest podcast from 442 FM...

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