Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has been heavily criticised by fans for his decision to bring on veteran goalkeeper Maty Ryan for penalty shootouts during the World Cup loss to Egypt. The call saw Patrick Beach, who had made a stunning stoppage-time save to send the game into extra time, replaced just before the shootout.
Controversial substitution draws ire
Popovic's decision to substitute Beach for Ryan raised eyebrows, particularly given Ryan's history of being substituted off for penalty shootouts during the 2022 World Cup, where he was replaced by Andrew Redmayne. Beach had been a fan favourite throughout the tournament, especially after his heroics in the Socceroos' victory over Turkey.
Fans expressed outrage after the heartbreaking loss, struggling to understand why Popovic removed the in-form Beach. AFL journalist Riley Beveridge tweeted: "Just a shockingly managed penalty shootout. Mat Ryan signposted which way he was going on every penalty. Irresponsible to let a teenager take one in that situation as well."
Fan backlash on social media
One fan fumed: "Popovic might be the worst manager ever, why would you a) sub off the only keeper with minutes this tournament and who has been really good and b) let 2 centre-backs take pens including an 18 year old." Another added: "Ryan committed early on all pens. Stupid decision from Popovic."
The centre-backs in question were stand-in skipper Harry Souttar and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington, both of whom missed their penalties. Herrington's shot hit the crossbar, while Souttar's effort was saved. Fans were quick to criticise the decision to let an inexperienced teenager take such a high-pressure kick.
Popovic defends his decision
After the match, Popovic was questioned about the substitution. "It was always an option for us with his experience," he said. "You’ve got to see how the game plays out and sometimes in extra time players go down and you need to make the changes and you don’t have the players available, but we had one available and we put Maty on."
Former Scotland midfielder Scott Brown questioned the use of centre-backs for penalties: "Australia put two centre-backs on penalties ... You want to see your strikers go and lead the team and hit the back of the net. Touré has been on fire for Norwich this season, scoring nine goals. Go and hit the back of the net instead of putting an 18-year-old on."
Former England international Chris Sutton agreed, saying: "There will be questions about why two centre-backs are stepping up to take the penalties for Australia."
The loss has left Australian players devastated, with many fans calling for Popovic's sacking. One fan remarked: "Dismal fail by Popovic. He’ll be sacked by dinner." Another said: "Wrong Substitutions from Tony Popovic cost them this game. Why take off Irankunda for Toure? Why take off Beach for Ryan 2 minutes to penalties, he’s not into the game. Why let an 18 year old Lucas Herrington take the penalty in a match with so much pressure? Bad decision making."
As the fallout continues, Popovic's future as Socceroos coach remains uncertain.
