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Aussie football great Mark Schwarzer has pleaded with Socceroos coach Tony Popovic to leave first-game hero Patrick Beach out of the side to face Paraguay.
The 53-year-old former goalkeeper has called for veteran Mat Ryan to be recalled to the side in their high-stakes final group stage clash.
Ryan has been Australia’s first choice keeper in the most recent three World Cup events – but has missed out on selection in the first two group stage matches.
‘I would put Matty Ryan back in goal; leader, captain, incredible amount of experience and I think he’ll be completely up for the game,’ he told the ABC.
‘And I think the level you need right now is about the cool head, the experience in like a final. It’s a final within the World Cup finals for us.’
The NSW born former Socceroo has praised Beach for his efforts across Australia’s first two matches at the ongoing event, which included a clean sheet versus Turkey.
Socceroos coach Mark Schwarzer (pictured) has urged Tony Popvic to select Mat Ryan over Patrick Beach
The young goalkeeper (pictured) starred in Australia’s first match of the tournament – but may miss out on a spot in the must-win game against Paraguay
Socceroos star Nestory irankunda (pictured) will look to lead the way for the Socceroos as they chase a second consecutive knockout stage birth
But he wants Ryan to be back in goals for today’s clash.
The 34-year-old veteran has played 104 matches for Australia, and would add some much needed experience to a side full of players taking part in their first World Cup.
Australia will already have its back to the wall in the clash against the South American nation, after it was revealed both Matthew Leckie, and Jacob Italiano wouldn’t play.
Leckie is set to miss the game with a hamstring complaint, and with Italiano also missing from the Socceroos starting XI, it’s shaping up to be difficult.
The Socceroos won their first match at this year’s FIFA World Cup against Turkey, in a match which saw Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe lead the way.
Australia then lost its second game at the event, after losing to co-host nations the USA.
The side can secure a spot in the World Cup knockout stage for the second consecutive occasion with a victory against Paraguay.
In the 2022 World Cup, Australia reached the Round of 16, before losing to eventual champions Argentina.
