Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has been shredded by fans for a stunning call to bring on veteran goalkeeper Maty Ryan for penalty shootouts in the heartbreaking World Cup loss to Egypt.

More than 70,000 fans were crammed into Dallas Stadium as the Socceroos and Egypt, locked at a goal apiece, could not be separated after 90 minutes and stoppage time.

Popovic then made the decision to replace Patrick Beach, who earlier had pulled off an extraordinary diving save to deny a glancing header from Rami Rabia in stoppage time and send the game into shootouts.

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.

Fans were raging after the shattering loss, failing to understand the decision to take the impressive Beach out of the game.

High-profile AFL journalist Riley Beveridge said: “Just a shockingly managed penalty shootout. Mat Ryan signposted which way he was going on every penalty. Irresponsible to let a teenager take one in that situation as well.”

While a fan fumed: “Popovic might be the worst manager ever, why would you a) sub off the only keeper with minutes this tournament and who has been really good and b) let 2 centre-backs take pens including an 18 year old.”

The centre-backs were stand-in skipper Harry Souttar, and Socceroos youngster Lucas Herrington who both missed their penalty shots. 

But it was the decision to bring on Ryan that copped the most heat.

“Ryan committed early on all pens. Stupid decision from Popovic,” one fan blasted.

“Dismal fail by Popovic. He’ll be sacked by dinner,” another said.

“Wrong Substitutions from Tony Popovic cost them this game. Why take off Irankunda for Toure? Why take off Beach for Ryan 2 minutes to penalties, he’s not into the game. Why let an 18 year old Lucas Herrington take the penalty in a match with so much pressure? Bad decision making,” another said.

And another: “Popovic has mastered not letting them know your next move by coming up with moves so incomprehensibly stupid that no one could possibly predict them.”

After the match, Popovic was quizzed about the call

“It was always an option for us with his experience,” Popovic said.

“You’ve got to see how the game plays out and sometimes in extra time players go down and you need to make the changes and you don’t have the players available, but we had one available and we put Maty on.”

The use of the centre backs was under scrutiny.

Former Scotland midfielder Scott Brown said: “Australia put two centre-backs on penalties ...

“You want to see your strikers go and lead the team and hit the back of the net. Touré has been on fire for Norwich this season, scoring nine goals.

“Go and hit the back of the net instead of putting an 18-year-old on.”

Former England international Chris Sutton agreed.

“There will be questions about why two centre-backs are stepping up to take the penalties for Australia,” he said.

Popovic said the loss was “tough” to take.

“Unfortunately, we go home and the World Cup ends for us,” he said.

“I haven’t even thought about the players that missed the penalties. That will come, I’m sure. I’m extremely proud of them.”

Jackson Irvine, who buried his spot kick, said no one could blame Soutar or Herrington and hoped the whole of the country would wrap their arms around them, as he vowed the Socceroos would.

“Penalties is a cruel way to lose but anybody who’s got the confidence to step up and take that ball after 120 minutes or however long you’ve played, it takes a big heart,” Irvine said.

“And I hope everyone stays behind them and they get all the support.”