Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Once he catches up on some sleep, Patrick Beach is tempted to visit St Kilda and soak up the effect of his World Cup heroics.
The Socceroos goalkeeper, one of the Australian shooting stars out of this tournament, flew back to his home city of Melbourne on Monday morning.
While gutted about their penalty shootout loss to Egypt, Beach was proud of Australia’s World Cup and his own performance.
He also had nothing but support for Tony Popovic, amid plenty of media commentary about the coach’s selections and substitutions.
Beach was adamant that there was no need for a quiet chat with Popovic after the goalkeeper was taken off late in the game, a move that ultimately backfired.
St Kilda beach was temporarily renamed after the Socceroo, because of his outstanding play in the opening win over Turkey.
“I could be heading down here. I’m definitely a beach goer,” Beach said.
He added there was “a lot of love” as the team members went their own ways, following the loss to Egypt early on Saturday morning (AEST).
“Very proud – it’s something we discussed after the game, how proud we were of each other, as a group,” he said.
“We were obviously gutted. To go out on penalties was never the way anyone wants it to go.
“But I’m very proud of everyone and how far we went.”
Beach noted the team had been together in the United States for two months before the tournament and everyone knew where they stood with Popovic.
“There was no need for a chat in regards to any of that. He’s the coach and he makes the call,” Beach said of the Egypt substitution..
“As players, we respect him and respect his decisions, and that’s that.
“With the boss, everyone knows where they stand with him.”
Beach is rapt that he was able to produce such a solid tournament.
“I always have confidence in myself. I’m a confident guy and I always back my ability – I learn my role and what I have to do to help the team,” he said.
“I have trust in myself to do the job.
“Of course, playing at a World Cup, on a big stage like that with millions of fans around the world, it’s always another step up.
“I’m very happy and proud of how I performed.”
Beach also said the Socceroos were fully aware of the support from Australian fans.
“It’s awesome to see and hear the support the country’s given us … second to none. It really boosted us,” he said.
Beach’s flight landed in Melbourne not long after Norway had sent another seismic shock through the World Cup with their 2-1 win over Brazil.
“Anything can happen – it doesn’t matter, the names on the sheets, it’s how you play as a team, as a collective,” he said.
“That’s something, we definitely made sure we were a team that was together.”
