Socceroos captain Mat Ryan has issued an emotional public apology after Australia was knocked out in the round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup.
In a surprise move for the Australians’ opening group-stage match against Turkey, coach Tony Popovic left regular goalkeeper Ryan on the bench and selected Patrick Beach instead. Beach justified the decision with several brilliant saves during the tournament.
But in the decisive match against Egypt, with only minutes remaining before a must-win penalty shootout, Popovic reversed course and sent Ryan into the game.
Australia eventually went down in the shootout after Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed their penalties, while Ryan was unable to stop any of Egypt’s attempts.
Since then, Australian football fans have rallied behind Souttar, Herrington and Ryan, but the captain says the pain remains deep.
“Dreamt of that moment my whole life,” Ryan said of the penalty shootout.
“Never have wanted anything more than to have been able to produce and come through for the team and nation in a moment like that.
“Unfortunately I fell short and am sorry the dream has come to an end as a result. Hurting is an understatement, but I’ll live with it and take the lessons and use them for whatever else life throws at me down the track.”
Despite the way it ended, the Socceroos have been widely praised for a World Cup campaign that saw them progress beyond the group stage for only the third time in their history.
“Incredibly proud of the team and my teammates for their performances throughout and once again captivating the nation and creating some memories we’ll all never forget,” Ryan went on.
“To the staff for their commitment to providing the players with all they need to prepare and perform to the best of their abilities.
“Lastly, to the supporters who are always the ones who make the experiences as special as they are through the ways in which they go about supporting the team. The atmospheres in the stadiums, the footage back home of the live sites and everything in between, making all the triumphant memories all the more special, thank you. Proud Aussie.”
