It was a bizarre World Cup for Celtic-linked goalkeeper Mat Ryan.
The 34-year-old free agent, who has over 100 Australia caps to his name, was told before the tournament that he would not be their starting goalkeeper at the competition.
In his place, 22-year-old Melbourne City goalkeeper Patrick Beach had an excellent tournament, keeping two clean sheets as the Socceroos qualified from Group D.
Then, as their round of 32 clash with Egypt crept towards a penalty shootout, manager Tony Popovic threw an unexpected curveball.
Has he done enough?
Mat Ryan subbed on for Australia penalty shootout, saves none
With 119 minutes on the clock, Ryan was subbed on in place of Beach in a move clearly designated for the shootout.
The experienced Ryan was favoured in the high-pressure environment of the spot-kicks.
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The shootout then played out exactly how the Australia boss would not have wanted. Ryan made zero saves as Egypt ran out 4-2 winners.
The Egyptian players appeared to notice that Ryan was committing early for the spot-kicks, exploiting this tactic. Mohamed Salah even humiliated him with an ice-cold panenka.
A penny for the thoughts of Beach – it has even been sensationally reported that he was left completely in the dark about Popovic’s plan, and was not expecting to be substituted.
The Aussie’s handling of the shootout has drawn criticism for more reasons than one – the fact that 18-year-old centre-back Lucas Herrington took their fourth penalty ahead of more senior teammates has also been ridiculed.
As for Celtic’s interest in Ryan, it was first reported in Belgium back in April that the Hoops would “do battle” with Club Brugge for his signature.
Celtic are on the back foot as Ryan has previously played for Brugge. He is available on a free transfer after a season as first-choice goalkeeper at La Liga club Levante.
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Have Celtic made the right call?
Who is Celtic goalkeeper target Mat Ryan?
Ryan has an impressive selection of clubs on his CV. After establishing himself with A-League side Central Coast Mariners – where he played with Tom Rogic – he joined Brugge in 2013.
His form in Belgium earned a six-year deal with Valencia, where he was sporadically used. After a loan back in Belgium, he signed for Brighton in 2017.
He made 123 appearances for the Seagulls, more than with any other club he has played for. Arsenal signed him on loan for the back-end of his final season in England.
In a turbulent period since, he has had spells at Real Sociedad, Copenhagen, AZ, Roma, Lens and current club Levante.
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