CALIFORNIA, USA: Awer Mabil’s face quickly turned to pure joy. He beamed and fought his emotions, a reaction Australia’s veteran forward hardly could have seen coming. It had nothing to do with a soccer result, either. But rather a reflection that took him back to his tumultuous youth as a refugee and how some good fortune landed him in Australia for a new start in life.

Awer Mabil is proud to represent Australia in the World Cup because of the country's history of taking in refugees.

The winger was born in Kenya to South Sudanese parents who had escaped civil war. He moved to Australia aged 10