Socceroo keeper Mat Ryan hailed the Socceroos’ mentality after coming back from a seemingly heart-breaking final minute equaliser by Korea Republic to win the Asian Cup in extra time 2-1.
In an epic decider substitute James Troisi struck a golden-goal in the 105th minute, blasting home from close range after Kim Jin Hyeon spilled Tomi Juric’s cross into his path.
After Korea’s 91st minute equaliser – and wild celebrations at Stadium Australia – it looked like momentum was with the Taeguk Warriors.
But the Socceroos’ belief was simply too strong and their will – and supreme fitness – saw them power home to claim the Continental title.
“You’ve got to credit us for the way we turned it around,” Ryan told reporters after the game.
“You could’ve excused us if Korea went on with the momentum and our heads down, but full credit to the way we play.
“The boss [Ange Postecoglou] has instilled a positive passing game and we got our reward in the end.
Ryan revealed Postecoglou’s message heading into extra time.
“He said they [Korea] were off their feet. They can’t handle it anymore and we knew with the style we play we’d eventually grind the teams down and that’s what the message was… probably with a bit more oomph to ensure we believed it also!”
The star keeper added that last minute equaliser for South Korea brought back some harsh memories from his time in the Hyundai A-League: the 2011 Grand Final between Brisbane Roar FC and Ryan’s former club Central Coast Mariners at Suncorp.
“It brought back memories of the Mariners grand final. I did think of that out there.
“I was thinking, ‘nah, it can’t happen again!’”
Ironically it was Ange Postecoglou who was the coach of Brisbane Roar that day. They famously defeated the Mariners on penalties after coming back from the dead with two late goals in extra time.
Ryan was awarded goalkeeper of Asian Cup 2015 trophy to go with his winner’s trophy. It left him almost speechless.
“I’m blown away. Just so happy, overwhelmed. Great feeling… wonderful.”
The Ryan clan and friends were at the stadium to support the Socceroo shot-stopper who is now set to make a lasting legacy with the national team aged just 22.
“I saw here [Mum] out there and gave her a kiss,” he said while balancing his two awards.
“To share that moment with them it’s something I’ll never forget. A fairytale ending.”