Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Socceroos goalkeeper Patrick Beach would have “backed” himself to shine in Australia’s FIFA World Cup penalty shootout against Egypt, but “respected” coach Tony Popovic’s decision to replace him with Mat Ryan.
With scores locked at 1-1 in the dying stages of extra-time in the Socceroos’ round-of-32 weekend clash with Egypt in Dallas, the in-form Beach was controversially substituted, with Popovic believing Ryan would do a better job in the shootout.
The move spectacularly backfired, with veteran Ryan failing to save any of Egypt’s penalties in a shootout lost 4-2 by the Australians.
“I definitely enjoyed it more on the field, but the call was made from the boss (Popovic) and I had to sit on the sidelines and do my part from the sidelines,” Melbourne City keeper Beach said after arriving home in Victoria on Monday.
“With the coach, he makes the call. As players, we respect him and we respect his decisions and that’s that.”
However, Beach would have been full of confidence had he been used for the shootout after a memorable display against the Egyptians and good form during the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign.
“I always have confidence in myself. I’m a confident guy and I always back my ability, and know my role and what I have to do to help my team,” the 22-year-old custodian said.
“I always have confidence and trust in myself to do the job. Playing at a World Cup on a big stage like that in front of millions of fans around the world, it’s always a step up, but I’m very happy and proud of how I performed.”
Beach’s form has resulted in him being linked with a move overseas, with German club Hannover 96 reportedly interested in his services.
“I’ve still got another two years (on his contract) at Melbourne City, so anything else that’s been happening at the moment, I’ll let my manager deal with that,” he said.
Beach is instead focusing on the Socceroos’ bid for glory at the AFC Asian Cup, which starts in January in Saudi Arabia.
Australia’s preparations for the tournament will include two friendlies against Brazil in Queensland in September.
“We’re focusing on January and the Asian Cup, and we’ll try to do something special there,” Beach said.
“We’ve got a camp coming up in a couple of months, when we take on Brazil, that we’re definitely looking forward to.
“It’s a pretty young group. There’s a lot of talent in this group. A lot of hard work has been put into play, and you’re seeing the results now.”
