Australia leaves Ryan out of squad for Brazil matches — Channel NewsAsia
Australia national team coach Tony Popovic did not include former team captain, 34-year-old goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, in the squad for two friendly matches against Brazil in Townsville and Brisbane. As Channel NewsAsia reports, these will be Australia's final home matches before the Asian Cup at the beginning of next year.
Ryan left out of the squad
Ryan has made 105 appearances for the national team. He travelled to this year's World Cup as captain and the likely first-choice goalkeeper, but was replaced by Patrick Beach. Ryan took to the field only for the penalty shootout in the Round of 32 match against Egypt, which Australia lost.
The 26-player squad includes Beach and another 15 players who took part in the World Cup campaign. Seven players who have not yet made their national team debuts were also called up. Jordan Bos, Cristian Volpato and Cameron Burgess will be unable to play due to injuries.
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Matches before the Asian Cup
Midfielders Riley McGree and Patrick Yazbek returned to the national team after missing the World Cup because of injuries. Australia will face five-time world champions Brazil on September 25 in Townsville and September 29 in Brisbane.
Before the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which will take place in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, Australia will also play away friendlies against Qatar and Jordan. Popovic said the team is taking the upcoming Asian Cup and the national team's further development into account when forming the squad.
