Australia goalkeepers were in dark about World Cup shootout switch

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.
Popovic brought on Ryan but he failed to pull off a save and Egypt won 4-2 on spot kicks to set up a last-16 meeting with Argentina after the game finished at 1-1.
“You have to talk to the coaches about that,” Beach told Australian media of the goalkeeping switch.
“I found out at the same time you guys did.
“Obviously there was a plan that was put in place, and it wasn’t for us to know about.
“The coaches made a decision, and as far as it goes, Matty and I are here to do the job of whatever works best for the team and brings the best outcome for our team.”
Ryan was similarly in the dark, saying: “No, no, I wasn’t told before the match.”
Former Australian goalkeeper Mark Bosnich said he was “astounded” by the move, while another goalkeeping icon Mark Schwarzer added: “I personally believe that the goalkeeper who’s playing should stay in there.”
Ex-Socceroo Robbie Slater called it a failure by the coaching staff.
“Beach was in terrific form and now we will never know if that form translates to a saved goal in the penalty shootout,” he said in a column for The Australian newspaper.
“Again, this is on the coaching staff and as far as I am concerned this is another fail.”
Slater was similarly outraged by defender Lucas Herrington