Arlington, United States: Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach had no idea he was going to be taken off for the World Cup penalty shootout with Egypt Friday as coach Tony Popovic came under fire for the baffling decision. Beach, 22, headed to the tournament as number two to seasoned Socceroos shot-stopper and captain Mathew Ryan. But in a shock he started every game and proved rock solid, only to be substituted deep into extra-time in the last 32 clash against Egypt in Dallas as penalties loomed.

Coach Tony Popovic swung a few surprise moves ahead of the group-stage games. As his team prepares for a sudden-death match against Egypt, we rate Australian player’s performance…

With the clash against Egypt balanced on a knife’s edge, Australia is preparing to counter the ‘inhumane’ pressure of a penalty shootout aided by a former captain who never missed.