Ryan the hero as Socceroos prevail on penalties in Round of 16 nail-biter

Mat Ryan was the shootout hero as the Socceroos beat Uzbekistan 4-2 on penalties to reach the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ Quarter Finals following a tense 0-0 draw after 120 minutes in Al Ain.

Star goalkeeper Ryan saved two attempts to set the stage for the fit-again Mathew Leckie to dispatch the decisive fourth spot-kick.

Australia had been in complete control after a cagey first half but had to hold their nerve to advance to a last-eight encounter against the United Arab Emirates.

Ryan was on form from as early as the 10th minute of a gruelling battle as he smothered Eldor Shomurodov’s close-range shot, the striker having been released on the counter.

Tom Rogic and Aziz Behich were among three players to enter the book amid a keenly contested first half that yielded little goalmouth action.

Australia’s monopoly on possession began to pay dividends after the interval with Rhyan Grant getting himself into good positions for a pair of headers.

Having shaken off a hamstring injury sustained on club duty last month, Leckie was injected for his first appearance of the tournament in the 68th minute and immediately made an impression on the match.

Uzbekistan goalkeeper Nesterov then turned a deflected Rogic shot around the upright and Jackson Irvine went agonisingly close to connecting with the resultant corner from Chris Ikonomidis.

It was more of the same throughout the ensuing 30 minutes extra-time with Rogic, Leckie and Behich all registering shots on target without managing to break the mounting tension.

Mark Milligan converted first in the subsequent shootout as Ryan came to the fore following Nesterov’s denial of left-back Behich.

The Brighton and Hove Albion man brilliantly denied both Islom Tukhtakhujaev and Marat Bikmaev to allow Leckie to join captain Milligan and substitutes Robbie Kruse and Apostolos Giannou on the scoresheet, his confident sealer sending Graham Arnold’s men through to the next stage.

Featured image courtesy of the Asian Football Confederation

 

Source : Socceroos WEBSITE

‘We’ll make the country proud again’: Ryan’s vow for Palestine clash

Amidst the disappointment of the loss to Jordan in their opening game of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™, the Socceroos immediately switch their focus to putting things right against Palestine on Friday night (AEDT).

Goalkeeper Mat Ryan indicated the team let themselves down in the 1-0 loss in Al Ain but is confident there won’t be a repeat at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai.

For Ryan, there’s no time to dwell on what’s happened in the past but instead get back to work to prepare for the challenges ahead.

“Straight away the focus has turned to how we’re going to right those wrongs and rectify where we went wrong and improve the areas we could have done better,” Ryan told Fox Sports.

“I have no doubt we are going to come back in this next game and make the country proud again with our performance and the result.”

“There’s still plenty of positives to take from [the match],” the gloveman added.

“We’re going to  be much better for that experience and I have no doubt we’ll come out against Palestine and be on the front foot, get an early goal and be a dominant force in that match.”

The Socceroos arrived in Dubai on Monday and have had their first session in the build-up to the Palestine encounter.

Much of the focus for Arnold and his coaching staff will be around converting their large spells of possession and scoring opportunities into goals.

While Palestine may sit deep and look to frustrate the Socceroos, Ryan believes the Aussies must be ready for anything.

“Everything we work on is to cover every aspect of the game and what we are going to be facing,” the Brighton and Hove Albion shot-stopper said.

“The Oman [friendly] game the ball speed was there, we moved them around and were more clinical in front of goal.

“The game against Jordan we just failed to do that at the same level.

“We’re going to get back on the training pitch, work hard and come game time against Palestine we’re going to be back to the levels we set for ourselves and I’m very confident we can go out there and do the job that’s required.”

Source : Socceroos Website

History-maker Ryan has only just begun after ‘special moment’

Caltex Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan said it was a ‘special moment’ to play his 50th cap for Australia, but insisted this is only the beginning of his hard work.

When Ryan started in goals against Oman, he became the youngest ever Australian player to reach 50 ‘A’ International caps for the Caltex Socceroos in senior international fixtures — aged 26 years and 266 days.

The 26-year-old reflected on the achievement and his career thus far in the Green and Gold, but was hungrier than ever to kick on and bring success to the Caltex Socceroos.

“Without trying to sound cliche, my dream came true,” said Ryan.

“My first camp that I had, my first cap that I received so long ago, and now the thought of receiving 50 is a little surreal to be honest.

“I’m very proud and honoured of the achievement — any time you’re fortunate enough to represent our country is something that means a lot to me and is a very special moment.

“Life has a funny way of working out sometimes and you never know what’s around the corner. I’ll be doing my best to keep myself mentally and physically fresh enough to try and make my 51st appearance as a Socceroo, and I can’t wait for this tournament to get underway.”

‘I don’t believe you ever stop learning’

It’s no surprise Ryan shows such humility off the field, considering he is one of the most mature players on it.

Having begun his junior football in Sydney’s west, Ryan was given a chance by Graham Arnold at the Central Coast Mariners in the Hyundai A-League and grabbed it with both hands — literally.

Seven years later, and with more than 200 club appearances under his belt across Australia, Belgium, Spain and England, Ryan is now the first-choice shot-stopper for Brighton and Hove Albion in the English Premier League.

Ryan has his mind firmly fixed on improving himself for the future.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying my football. When you get to do it at a level I’m currently at, it makes all the dedication and sacrifices worth it,” said Ryan.

“I’m just going in — day in, day out — trying to do my absolute best to do what’s required to do well at that level.

“And I guess it’s a little unknown in terms of what’s in front of me. I’m learning from every experience, I never stop learning and I don’t believe you ever stop learning throughout one’s life.

“That’s the attitude I’ve always had and I will continue to do that moving forward, and there’ll be a lot of memories that we can create through being successful both here in the national team and at club level.”

Source : AFC Aisna Football Confederation Website

Caltex Socceroos fans pick their 23-man squad for Japan and Thailand

The Caltex Socceroos squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Thailand will be trimmed to 23 on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Ange Postecoglou will pick his 23-man Caltex Socceroos squad for Australia’s upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Japan and Thailand.

With these fixtures to decide Australia’s fate for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, we asked fans who they thought should be chosen in the Socceroos’ final squad.

Which midfielders make the final 23? https://t.co/SToea5mveB

— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) August 18, 2017

And the votes are in! Here’s the 23-man Socceroos squad as chosen by the fans.

GOALKEEPERS

Mat Ryan, Mitch Langerak and Danny Vukovic.

*Ryan was clearly the most popular choice with almost 38% of the vote with Langerak and Vukovic the next two most preferred between the sticks.

DEFENDERS

Trent Sainsbury, Bailey Wright, Matthew Spiranovic, Milos Degenek and Matt Jurman.

*Sainsbury was clearly first choice in the heart of the Socceroos defence ahead of the dependable Bailey Wright and the returning Matthew Spiranovic. Milos Degenek earned a call-up as did former Sydney FC centre-back Matt Jurman.

 

Central midfielders – Aaron Mooy, Mile Jedinak, Mark Milligan, Jackson Irvine, Massimo Luongo and Mustafa Amini.

Wing-backs – Mathew Leckie, Brad Smith, Aziz Behich, Alex Gersbach.

*Huddersfield star Aaron Mooy was the popular choice amongst the fans just ahead of teammates Mat Leckie and Mark Milligan.

ATTACKERS

Tom Rogic, Tomi Juric, Tim Cahill, James Troisi and Robbie Kruse.

*Celtic ace Tom Rogic was the overwhelming choice of the Socceroos faithful ahead of the improving Tomi Juric and all-time leading scorer Tim Cahill.

CALTEX SOCCEROOS 23-MAN SQUAD (as chosen by fans)

Mat Ryan, Mitch Langerak, Danny Vukovic, Trent Sainsbury, Bailey Wright, Matthew Spiranovic, Milos Degenek, Matt Jurman, Aaron Mooy, Mile Jedinak, Mark Milligan, Jackson Irvine, Massimo Luongo, Mustafa Amini, Mathew Leckie, Brad Smith, Aziz Behich, Alex Gersbach, Tom Rogic, Tomi Juric, Tim Cahill, James Troisi and Robbie Kruse.

Source  :  Football Federation Australia

Caltex Socceroos gloveman’s brush with ‘Aussie Kim’

It’s not every footballer who can say they’ve hit a few winners past a Grand Slam tennis champion. But Mat Ryan can claim that honour.

MAKING A RACKET

The Caltex Socceroos goalkeeper was a handy tennis player in his youth and met four-time Grand Slam winner Kim Clijsters during his time in Belgium.

Ryan’s coach at Club Brugge was an ex-team-mate of Clijsters’ father and introduced the pair who struck up a friendship on social media.

“When I went to Genk on loan she must have seen it in the media and we started chatting again,” Ryan told www.socceroos.com.au.

“I even had a hit with her, it was great fun.

Congratulations Aussie @Clijsterskim on your induction into the hall of fame. A great acknowledgment of your illustrious career. 🇦🇺🇧🇪

— Maty Ryan (@MatyRyan) January 23, 2017

“I like to think I’m a bit of a natural and even though I was a bit rusty I went out there and hit a few balls and a couple of winners against her. “I’ve always got that in my locker now and can remind people that I hit a few winners against a Grand Slam champion! “She’s a lovely person, very kind, and we’re still in contact now,” he said. Video: Caltex Socceroos’ video banter

CONFEDS CUP CAN BE A LEARNING CURVE

At just 25 years old, Ryan has played 33 times for his country, making him easily the most experienced goalkeeper in Australia’s Confederations Cup squad. Mitch Langerak has made just eight appearances for the Caltex Socceroos while Sydney FC custodian Danny Vukovic is uncapped. But fresh from signing a five-year deal with newly promoted English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion, Ryan believes he’s nowhere near the finished article.

Congratulations to our @MatyRyan who has just become a @premierleague footballer with @OfficialBHAFC on a five-year deal! #GoSocceroos #EPL pic.twitter.com/addXAIxtCJ

— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) June 16, 2017

“You’re always continuing to learn,” he said. “I’ve got more experience under my belt playing big opposition, bigger teams, big individuals. “It’s only going to help me and – other players who have been in the same boat – this time around in these sorts of tournaments. “We’ve had the success of the Asian Cup and while we weren’t playing the big teams of Europe or South America, it was still obviously a very competitive tournament. “As a reward for winning that we find ourselves in this situation now where we’re playing some big teams. “We’re keen as a team to go out there and show the progression we’ve made since the World Cup and the games we’ve played against these sorts of teams post World Cup.

TIME TOGETHER CAN REAP REWARDS As important as the quality games the Caltex Socceroos will play in Russia is the time the team will spend together ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers later in 2017. Australia visits Japan on August 31 before hosting Thailand six days later. “Common sense will tell you the more time you spend together as a unit, the more you understand yourselves as a team and the individuals in the team,” said Ryan. “You get more accustomed to the philosophies of the game plan and what the coaching staff want from you. “We’re eager to show Australia and the world that we can make some noise against this sort of opposition at big tournaments like this. “There’s all to play for here and hopefully at the World Cup next year.

Always extra special representing on home soil 🇦🇺. Now onto Russia 🇷🇺 #confedscup2017 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ZuQndXgkIW

— Maty Ryan (@MatyRyan) June 14, 2017

RYAN’S CRUCIAL ROOS ROLE

While goalkeeping can sometimes seem like a lonely proposition, Ryan insists that’s not the case.

“What the coaching staff ask of the goalkeeper in this team is to be very high and very engaged with the team,” he explained.

“We always say our first defender is our striker and our first attacker is our goalkeeper.

“There’s a lot of involvement on a personal level for the goalkeeper, whether it’s me or one of the other guys who are going to be playing.

 

“Like any player, you need to be present, you need to be switched on and ready to contribute to the team.

“Being a goalkeeper is no different,” he added.

TIMMY NO TENNIS TYRO

And while there won’t be much time for tennis in Russia, Ryan would be happy to take on all-comers in the Caltex Socceroos side if the opportunity arises.

But he clearly doesn’t rate the form of team-mate Timmy Cahill.

“Timmy’s got a court in his backyard in Melbourne but he’s not too handy with a racket I don’t think,” Ryan said.

“His hand-eye coordination isn’t as good as his feet or his head!”

 

Source  :  Football Federation Australia

Caltex Socceroos keeper earns Premier League move

Caltex Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan will play in the English Premier League next season after completing a move to newly-promoted club Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 25-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Seagulls for a disclosed club record transfer fee, subject to an international clearance.

Ryan joins the club from La Liga outfit Valencia where he signed in 2015, though he spent the latter part of last season on loan at Belgian club Genk.

“I’m over the moon to be honest to have it all sorted. It’s really exciting times coming up,” Ryan told FFA TV.

“It’s a great club obviously due to their achievements last year in the Championship to go up to the Premier League. It’s a league everyone wants to play in, arguably the biggest in the World.

“I’m really looking forward now to getting there after this Confederations Cup and contributing to the team.”

Brighton manager Chris Hughton said he was pleased to secure Ryan’s signature and believes his experience in Europe will hold him in good stead in the Premier League.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to attract Mathew to the club, and he will certainly be an excellent addition to the squad in time for our first season in the Premier League. We’re very much looking forward to working with him for the season ahead,” Hughton told Brighton’s club site.

“For somebody of Mathew’s age, he has very good experience, having played in the top divisions in Australia, Belgium and Spain. He has also competed in European competition and made a number of appearances at international level.”

 

Source :  Football Federation Australia

Caltex Socceroos weekend update-18/March/2017-19/March/2017

Winger Mat Leckie has a date with Borussia Dortmund this weekend before joining up with the Caltex Socceroos.

It’s the crucial weekend before the Caltex Socceroos meet up in Tehran ahead of next week’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Iraq.

Australia tackles Iraq in Tehran on March 24 (AEDT) before returning home to host UAE at the Sydney Football Stadium on March 28.

We take a look at the players’ schedule over the coming days for their clubs.

Mustafa Amini

AGF, in the Danish Superliga, next play in the early hours of Monday morning (AEDT) against OB.

Aziz Behich

Played 90 minutes for Bursaspor last weekend and could see more action on Monday (AEDT) with his side at home to Alanyaspor in the Turkish league.

Tim Cahill

Had the week off due to the split round in the Hyundai A-League but will be hopeful of some more minutes as Melbourne City host Newcastle Jets in the Hyundai A-League on Saturday night.

Milos Degenek

Yokohama F Marinos host Albirex Niigata on Saturday afternoon in the J-League.

Rhyan Grant

Will come into camp fresh but fit with the Sky Blues having a tough week on the track with no game due to the split round in the A-League.

Jackson Irvine

The ultra-consistent Burton Albion midfielder is set to play on Sunday (AEDT) at home to Brentford.

Mile Jedinak

The Socceroo skipper was immense in Aston Villa’s win over Sheffield Wednesday last weekend with Steve Bruce’s side next in action on Sunday away to Wigan Athletic.

James Jeggo

The former Adelaide midfielder’s Sturm Graz travel to tackle Admira this weekend.

Tomi Juric

The powerful striker’s FC Luzern host third-placed Sion this weekend.

Robbie Kruse

The winger has started in both of Liaoning’s first two Chinese Super League fixtures but won’t have a chance to add to that tally before coming into camp.

Mitch Langerak

The Stuttgart shot-stopper has been in fine touch in Germany and will get another chance to impress on Saturday away to Greuther Fürth.

 Mathew Leckie

The Socceroo flyer has been a regular for FC Ingolstadt in the Bundesliga this season. Leckie’s side travel to tackle giants Borussia Dortmund on Saturday (AEDT).

Massimo Luongo

Luongo’s QPR are next in action on Sunday at home to struggling Rotherham.

Riley McGree

The shock inclusion in the squad, McGree’s Adelaide host Brisbane Roar on Sunday in the Hyundai A-League.

Mark Milligan

The versatile midfielder has been playing regularly with UAE club Bani Yas but saw red in his side’s 6-2 loss to Al Wahda last weekend. Won’t see any further action before coming into camp.

Aaron Mooy

Arguably Australia’s most important player, Mooy has enjoyed a sensational season in the English Championship with Huddersfield Town and could feature more prominently in Saturday’s fixture away to Bailey Wright’s Bristol City.

Mat Ryan

The keeper played 90 minutes in Genk’s Europa League Round of 16 second leg tie against Gent on Friday (AEDT) before linking with the national team.

Trent Sainsbury

Hasn’t seen any game time since his loan move to Serie A giants Inter Milan in January.  The classy defender’s next chance of match action is on Sunday with Milan away to Torino.

Brad Smith

The flying left-back has struggled for game time at EPL outfit AFC Bournemouth, who are at home to Swansea City on Sunday morning (AEDT).

James Troisi

The Victory star is arguably the hottest player in the A-League right now. Victory has the week off due to the split round but Troisi will come into camp full of confidence after a sparkling month.

Daniel Vukovic

Vukovic capped his selection with another clean sheet – his 11th of the season – in Sydney’s 1-0 win over the Mariners on Friday night. Won’t have another game before coming into camp.

Rhys Williams

Williams played a full match for Glory in last Saturday’s loss to Sydney FC. Perth not in action this week.

Bailey Wright

The no-nonsense defender has been a pillar of consistency since joining Bristol City, who are next in action on Saturday at home to Mooy’s Huddersfield Town.

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

Who’ll start for the Caltex Socceroos against United Arab Emirates ?

Mat Ryan;Ryan McGowan,Matthew Spiranovic,Trent Sainsbury,Alex Gersbach;Mark Milligan,Aaron Mooy,Tom Rogic;Robbie Kruse,Tomi Juric;Mat Leckie

Football Federation Australia

Meet the Socceroos at Perth Fan Day

Perth football fans will be able to get up close and personal with their Socceroos heroes Tim Cahill, Mile Jedinak, Mat Ryan, Mathew Leckie, Robbie Kruse and Massimo Luongo at the Socceroos Fan Day on Tuesday 1 September at nib Stadium.

The Socceroos will be in Perth for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh on Thursday 3 September but will take time out of the preparations to spend time with the fans after a late afternoon training session at nib Stadium.

“Our Fan Day is an important part of the build up to our home matches as it gives fans a chance to get behind the team and feel part of the Socceroos and the players an opportunity to feel the home town support,” Postecoglou said.

“The Socceroos have played matches all over Australia in the last 12 months and we are excited to be heading to Perth for the first time in 10 years. Our Fan Day is a great chance for them to get a photo and autograph as we all get ready for the match against Bangladesh on Thursday night.”

The Socceroos Fan Day starts at 3pm with merchandise giveaways and activities for early arriving fans (inflatable football pitch, DJ, photo booth, face painters and balloon artists) before the Socceroos start training at 4pm.

Following training, Socceroos players will sign autographs for the fans, who will also hear from Coach Ange Postecoglou and players as they prepare to take on Bangladesh in a World Cup Qualifier on Thursday night.

SOCCEROO FAN DAY DETAILS

Tuesday 1 September 2015

nib Stadium

3pm       Activities start

4pm       Socceroos training session

5pm       Autographs and interviews with players and coach Ange Postecoglou

6pm       Fan Day concludes

2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier – MATCH DETAILS

Australia v Bangladesh ​​​​​

3 September 2015     ​​​​​

nib Stadium, Perth ​​​​​

7pm (AWT) kick off (9pm AEST)​​​​

TICKET INFORMATION (Australia v Bangladesh)

Tickets can be purchased for the match at www.socceroos.com.au/tickets

Football Federation Australia

Mat Ryan made a perfect debut for La Liga club Valencia

Socceroo goal-keeper Mat Ryan has made the perfect start to life at Valencia while Nathan Burns opened his account for FC Tokyo in Japan overnight.

Ryan was given a start against PSV Eindhoven and produced a flawless display as the Spanish giants emerged 1-0 winners.

While he was only called upon a few times before substituted in the second half, the ex-Club Brugge custodian didn’t put a foot wrong and in an assured display.

It was a mixed night for Socceroos attacker Burns as he came off the bench to grab his first FC Tokyo goal.

With his side trailing 1-0, Burns was brought on with half an hour left and took just 10 minutes to get in behind the Kashima Antlers defence and poke it past the ‘keeper.

But his side was unable to hold on for a hard-earned point, eventually conceding to lose 2-1.

There were a host of other Aussies in action right around the globe overnight.

Winger Mathew Leckie played until half-time but that was long enough to set up the winning goal in FC Ingolstadt’s 1-0 triumph against Celta Vigo.

Goal-keeper Adam Federici kept a clean sheet in AFC Bournemouth’s stalemate against FC Nantes while both Tom Rogic and Aziz Behich had game time for Celtic and Bursaspor respectively.

Youngster Josh Brillante played 20 minutes in Empoli’s 4-0 drubbing of Lucchese Libertas, Mark Schwarzer was in goal for 45 minutes of Leicester City’s 1-1 draw against Mansfield Town and James Meredith played 90 minutes in Bradford City’s 2-0 win over Carlisle United.

In Asia, Mitchell Duke played a full game as Shimizu S-Pulse threw away a half-time lead to lose 3-2 at Kawasaki Frontale

Ex-Brisbane Roar skipper Matt Smith played a full match as Bangkok Glass won 1-0 over Port FC while Jon McKain also had 90 minutes for Kelantan in their 2-2 draw with Sime Darby.

Football Federation Australia