Australia's Beach proves manager's bold decision was right as he lives his dream

Patrick Beach might have been a relatively unknown figure on the streets of Melbourne before Australia's defiant 2-0 win over a highly rated Turkey side, but after his outstanding performance in goal, many more people will now know the name of this 22 year old, and it all comes down to a brave call from his coach.

Beach took the place of veteran Mat Ryan. His experience had been considered, ahead of the tournament, as one of Australia's key assets. From his spell in the Premier League to his 104 caps for the national team, Ryan was tipped to start on Saturday night in Vancouver. It seemed the most obvious choice for the team sheet.

Not for Popovic. He decided on Thursday that Beach would be the one to wear the gloves. With no competitive appearances behind him, the decision sent shockwaves around the stadium.

It did not take long for Popovic's gamble to appear inspired.

After Nestory Irankunda scored on his own World Cup debut, using Tim Cahill's trademark celebration as a tribute to his idol, Beach got his fingertips to a fierce strike from Abdulkerim Bardakci, diverting it onto the post.

Widely regarded as Australia's third choice goalkeeper, Beach looked as though he belonged on the biggest stage, earning a 9.1 rating from Flashscore's new rating system as he pulled off save after save.

Turkey had eight chances that came and went as Beach refused to buckle, and he was well supported by an Australian back five who threw themselves at every shot, intercepted where they could and stayed disciplined despite wave after wave of pressure from their opponents.

The perfect finish came with a late wonder goal from Connor Metcalfe, a strike of such significance that Beach ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate with his team mates.

'Dream come true'

After a performance that defied his lack of experience, Beach told Flashscore, along with various media from around the world, that this moment will stay with him forever.

He said: 'It was incredible, this is a dream come true.

'This is all you dream about as a kid, this is the ultimate, to play for your country on the world stage and to get a result in a tight game, and against a great opponent, was one of the best nights.

Fully focused throughout, he even had a moment to absorb the atmosphere, celebrating Irankunda's opener with the wall of green and gold behind his goal.

Speaking about that strike, he reflected: 'It was just absolute limbs, was not it?

'Seeing the whole crowd, all the yellow and green going crazy, I was going crazy. It was an unbelievable moment, something we will definitely remember.'

The Melbourne City stopper did not make a single mistake all evening despite the pressure, something that did not go unnoticed by his team mates.

Irankunda added: 'I am super proud of him. He has done so well, he has been training extra hard, and I know a lot of people were not expecting him to start. He came out today and he has shown the world what he can do.

'He made some crucial saves, and if it was not for him, the scoreline could have been different. He saved us...'

In a world of YouTube highlight reels where every professional seems to be known globally from the age of 14, Beach's turn on Saturday night felt like a throwback, a diamond found in the rough, recalling the purity and joy of watching a World Cup before the internet.

No doubt after his performance, social media will be flooded with praise for him, but to have your breakthrough on this stage is what we all want from this tournament.

There is still a long way to go in this World Cup, but for Beach and Australia, this result provides a stepping stone to greater things. With one win already secured, a point, either against the USA on Friday or against Paraguay, will likely be enough to seal their passage into the round of 32. Then they will chase the ghosts of 2022, when they were eliminated in the last 16 by eventual champions Argentina.

If their new star man can continue to repay the faith that Popovic has shown in him, Australia have a real chance of causing more surprises at this World Cup. For now, Beach has written a new fairytale for the Socceroos.

Check out the full match report with Flashscore.