Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan has confessed he’s still “hurting” after being dropped from Australia’s starting side for the team’s opening two World Cup games.
The Australian captain, playing his fourth World Cup campaign with 104 international caps under his belt, was dropped to the bench despite superb form for Spanish outfit Levante UD, relegated in favour of Patrick Beach. Vice-captain Jackson Irvine was also benched.
However, the controversial decision paid dividends when Beach produced a career-defining performance against Turkiye, making eight saves during Australia’s 2-0 victory in Vancouver.
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Speaking to reporters in Seattle on Saturday, Ryan revealed that Socceroos coach Tony Popovic told him the selection gamble was a “gut feeling”.
“The boss pulled me aside … he told me I hadn’t done anything wrong, he just had a gut feeling that he wanted to play Beachy,” Ryan said.
He added: “Everyone wants to play, I think if anyone’s not hurting that’s not playing in the squad then they shouldn’t be here.”
Beach, who conceded two goals during Australia’s 2-0 loss to co-hosts the United States in Seattle, had only made two international appearances before the World Cup.
“(Beach) has done a great job the other night there against Türkiye and again (against the USA),” Ryan continued.
“I just watch him go about his stuff. He’s very composed, he’s very calm, he looks very assured of himself, and he has that confidence.
“You see that he’s got that strong mentality and the willingness to want to learn and grow.”
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Ryan clarified that he had no hard feelings towards Popovic, vowing to be ready if called upon later in the tournament.
“It’s good to be disappointed, but it’s about how you go channelling that disappointment and not detrimenting the team,” he said.
“It’s important in these situations that you keep pushing, everyone within the squad is in competition for spots … the guys that aren’t getting the nod at the minute are pushing and keeping them sharp to make sure they are on the top of their game.
“I feel good and if needed then I’ll do my best.
“Unfortunately for me personally he’s gone with (Beach) the first two games and that’s the way it goes.
“I’m just staying focussed on what I can control, I’m ready if called upon.”
Australia’s final group-stage match, against Paraguay in Santa Clara, gets underway on Friday at 12pm AEST.