u/jumbokevin

Am I the only one who thinks Popovic subbing Mat Ryan on for the shootout was just him trying to manufacture a "genius" moment for himself? He's got a track record of doing this shit.

Beach had played every single minute of the tournament and had been one of the best keepers at the entire World Cup. He'd earned the right to see it through.

Instead, Popovic makes a move where there's basically no downside for him. If Ryan doesn't save a penalty, people just say, "Fair enough, he's the experienced penalty keeper." But if Ryan makes a couple of saves, Popovic gets all the praise for pulling off a tactical masterstroke.

It felt like a decision that was more about the manager creating a heroic narrative than rewarding the player who'd got us there. Beach deserved the chance to finish what he started.

Now that we've drawn Egypt in the Round of 32, what formation and changes would you make to the starting XI?