Channel NewsAsia
AsiaPac · 23 mins ago
Australia's Beach backs coach after goalkeeper switch falls flat in World Cup shootout
MELBOURNE, July 6 : Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach said he has no issues with the decision to replace him for the ill-fated penalty shootout against Egypt at the World Cup amid criticism of coach Tony Popovic's tactics.With the score locked at 1-1 in the round-of-32 clash in Arlington, Texas, Popovic brought on Mat Ryan for the last few minutes of extra time but the veteran stopper was unable to prevent Egypt winning 4-2 on penalties.Fans and football pundits condemned the late switch but Beach said he had not even discussed it with Popovic."There was no need for a chat in regards to any of that," Beach told reporters at Melbourne airport on Monday after arriving home from the United States. "He's the coach, he makes the call, and as players we respect him and respect his decisions." B
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