Tony Popovic, the technical director of the Australian national team, explained the reason for including Matthew Ryan before the penalty shootout and an 18-year-old player taking a kick during the loss to Egypt in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
Egypt's national team defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties after the original and extra time ended 1-1, securing qualification to the round of 16.
Popovic said during the press conference: "It's difficult. I think we have proven to the world that Australian football is strong. They are a wonderful group of players. I feel very sad for them because we were unable to continue the journey".
He revealed the reason for Matthew Ryan's participation as a substitute, saying: "I think we made the decision during the match, but it was an option. Before the end of the match, we did not lose any player due to injuries and we had one substitution left".
He added: "And with Ryan's experience given his record in saving penalties, Patrick Beach is a new goalkeeper for him whether with the national team or clubs".
He continued: "We thought that Ryan's experience might make the difference, but the end was not in our favor, not because of a misjudgment from him or lack of skill. Egypt's players took their penalties very well".
Ryan did not save any of the 4 penalties taken against him. (See details)
In response to 18-year-old Lucas Harrington taking the missed penalty kick, he said: "It's easy to talk after the fact, the talk would have been different if he had scored. Then you would say what a great decision that an 18-year-old player stepped up and scored his penalty".
He revealed: "He participated in the last two matches at the age of 18, and if I didn't trust him, I wouldn't have included him. Against Paraguay, he cleared from the goal line, so what's the difference with a penalty kick?".
The 24-year-old player took the fourth kick and shot a ball that hit the crossbar.
He added about his future: "I have always said that it is a wonderful group. It showed tonight how good it is".
He continued: "At this moment, it is difficult to accept what happened, but I am confident that every Australian feels proud of this group and what we presented throughout the tournament, as well as tonight".
He concluded: "The effort they made... I am sure that their families, friends, and every Australian who followed them from home will be very proud of them".
video:1
