Australia's inspiring 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign came to a painful end after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Egypt, with one controversial coaching decision immediately becoming the center of attention.

It comes four years after Ryan was substituted off for fellow goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne during Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Peru in 2022, with the 37-year-old famously saving Alex Valera’s spot-kick to send the Socceroos to Qatar 2022.

Australia is through to the World Cup knockout rounds for a third time, playing a Pharaohs side who Popovic says will give the Socceroos their toughest challenge.

The Socceroos coach made a number of huge calls in Australia's defeat to Egypt at the World Cup. Find out more here.

Knocked out by Egypt (1-1, 2-4 on pens) in the Round of 16 at the World Cup, Australia coach Tony Popovic defended his decision to change goalkeepers late in extra time, bringing on Mathew Ryan for

Egypt and Australia played to a 1-1 draw before the Pharaohs went 4-for-4 from the spot while Australia missed their first and fourth attempts in the shootout. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.

Mark Schwarzer says he is not a fan of Tony Popovic's decision to swap goalkeepers ahead of the penalty shootout, even if it had been successful.

The interesting call by Popovic certainly raised eyebrows, with Ryan famously subbed off for penalty shootouts in the 2022 World Cup and replaced by the ‘grey Wiggle’ Andrew Redmayne. Beach had won over fans during the tournament for his goalkeeping heroics, particularly in the Scooeroos epic victory over Turkey.