World Cup: Why did Socceroos coach Tony Popovic take off goalkeeper Pat Beach for Mat Ryan?
- Socceroos great Mark Schwarzer has questioned coach Tony Popovic's tactics in the loss to Egypt, saying he was "messing with things too much" ahead of the penalty shootout.
- Popovic's tactics were roundly criticised after Australia's World Cup exit, namely the decision to replace starting goalkeeper Patrick Beach in favour of Mat Ryan ahead of the shootout, with Ryan failing to save any of Egypt's spot kicks.
- While the tactic has previously borne fruit for Australia, Schwarzer said he has never been a fan of it.
Confirmed
- Socceroos great Mark Schwarzer has questioned coach Tony Popovic's tactics in the loss to Egypt, saying he was "messing with things too much" ahead of the penalty shootout.
- Popovic's tactics were roundly criticised after Australia's World Cup exit, namely the decision to replace starting goalkeeper Patrick Beach in favour of Mat Ryan ahead of the shootout, with Ryan failing to save any of Egypt's spot kicks.
Unverified
- While the tactic has previously borne fruit for Australia, Schwarzer said he has never been a fan of it.
Sources: ABC Australia