Socceroos captain Mat Ryan has poured his heart in a public apology after Australia’s round-of-32 exit from the FIFA World Cup.
Coach Tony Popovic sprung a surprise for the Aussies’ first group-stage game against Turkey by benching regular goalkeeper Ryan in favour of Patrick Beach, who proved to be an inspired selection with several brilliant saves across the tournament.
But when it mattered most just minutes before a do-or-die penalty shootout against Egypt, Popovic backflipped on the move and injected Ryan into the game.
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Ultimately, Australia lost the shootout after misses from Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington, while Ryan failed to save any of Egypt’s shots.
The Australian football public has since rallied around Souttar, Herrington and Ryan, but the skipper says he is hurting.
“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.”
Still, the Socceroos have been widely lauded for a World Cup campaign in which they made it out of the group stage for just the third time in 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.”
