Socceroos rally around Lucas Herrington following World Cup exit

When Lucas Herrington stepped up to take the Socceroos' fourth penalty in their shootout against Egypt, he carried the weight of a nation on his shoulders.

His spot kick hit the crossbar, and opened the door for Egypt to convert its fourth penalty and seal victory.

As the 18-year-old walked back to the centre line, where his teammates waited, Awer Mabil broke the line and embraced the young defender.

"[He said:] 'Keep your head up, it's a tough moment," Herrington said.

"He's a top, top leader in the group, and I look up to him a lot.

"It was a really nice moment from him to come and support me during a tough time.

"I respect him so much for that."

The Socceroos were full of praise for Herrington, who was only playing his sixth game for Australia.

"I'm proud of Lucas, especially an 18-year-old kid, to step up. It's not easy, he's done it," Ajdin Hrustic said.

"I had a chat with him and I told him: 'Your career is long, you're going to have ups and downs'.

"He's been having a lot of ups and this is a down moment, but I'm sure he's going to recover well and he'll come out even stronger."

Hrustic also praised stand-in captain Harry Souttar who missed Australia's opening penalty after a brilliant game in defence.

"I'm really proud of Harry because what he's been through the last few years hasn't been easy," he said.

"This stuff can happen, right? It can happen to anyone.

"You've got to feel what you've experienced now, good or bad."

Winger Connor Metcalfe, who scored one of Australia's three goals during the tournament, backed Herrington's choice of shot.

"We just say it's OK, we're all human," he said.

"It's not even a mistake. He's gone for the top corner; fair play, he's only 18.

"He's got a really bright future and I look forward to seeing him crack on."

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