Socceroos World Cup goalkeeper Mat Ryan happy to be home after Australian campaign

Mat Ryan has enjoyed a great first season in Europe followed by a debut World Cup. Right now though, he’s glad to be back with his family having a kickabout in the back yard.

Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan enjoyed a green and gold homecoming party this weekend, as he reflected on his debut World Cup experience.

Between arriving in Australia after playing all three matches in Brazil and returning to Belgium, where he plays for Club Brugge, Ryan will spend ten days catching up with his family and friends.

The former Central Coast Mariners stopper, 22, moved to Belgium about 12 months ago for his first major contract, and said it was good to be home even if only for a short time.

“Everyone enjoyed being back together,” he said.

“We’re fortunate enough to be close knit family.

“I miss the family gatherings, you know kicking the ball around with my little cousins - that family environment - joking around with my aunts and uncles.

“Family is first in everything.”

Socceroos goal keeper Mat Ryan said he missed kicking a ball about with his young cousins Konner Smith and Bowen Jansen. The trio were reunited in the family at home in Shalvey. Picture: John Appleyard.

Mat Ryan with his mum Carol Ryan (left) and his sister Megan Ryan (right) at home in Shalvey on Sunday. Picture: John Appleyard

Ryan said sacrificing the off-season and time with his family was worth it for the chance to play in Brazil.

The Socceroos failed to pick up a point in their World Cup campaign, losing all three group games.

However, the young side showed encouraging signs, troubling World Cup 2010 finalists The Netherlands and a highly-rated Chile side before losing a dead rubber to 2010 winners and European Champions Spain.

Ryan, who has now won 10 caps for his country, said the experience taught the young squad a lot about themselves.

Mat Ryan foils Santi Cazorla of Spain and Arsenal during the Socceroos’ World Cup loss. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Mat Ryan (bottom left) lines up with his Australian teammates before the Spain match on June 23. AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST

“It’s a real eye opener,” he said.

“It was my first time playing at the top level.

“I planned to do better personally and as a team we were expecting to get more points.

“In training you can only learn so much. Every game we played together we got better.

“We’re a bit disappointed we didn’t get a reward for our effort.”

While he’s been enjoying a stellar year in Belgium, where he was voted keeper of the year, Ryan said the step up in quality at international level really put him through his paces.

“The World Cup was a wake up call in terms of progressing,” he said.

“After having a good first year in Belgium, I thought I was developing well.

Mat Ryan dives for a ball during training before the World Cup. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“Hopefully after my break I’ll have another good year with Club Brugge.”

His mother Carol Ryan said while his career has taken him far from home, she’s very proud of who he’s become.

“He’s still very grounded and wants the support of his family and keeps in contact,” she said.

“I love the man he’s growing into.”

Ms Ryan and her daughter Megan Ryan travelled to Brazil to watch the goalkeeper play.

She said sitting in the stadium watching her son play was especially amazing.

“I’m so proud. I didn’t think that dream would come true already,” she said.

“Seeing them all line up and seeing him standout, I was so proud. It was very emotional.”

Mat Ryan with his whole extended family at home in Shalvey for a rare family barbecue after the World Cup. Picture: John Appleyard

Ryan grew up in Plumpton and represented Blacktown and Districts Association in soccer which he said helped his competitive spirit.

“I’m a very competitive person. I love to win and I hate losing,” he said.

“I made friends there who are still my good mates now.

“It’s important to be surrounded by good people and Blacktown City gave that to me.”

While the whole family gathered in what his mother described as an unusual occasion, Ryan said she has always been his number one fan.

“As a single parent, it was tough (for her),” he said.

“She would say, focus on the future, would you prefer to be good now or good in the future.”

With his first World Cup experience under his belt at just 22 years of age, the keeper said anyone can do it.

“Doesn’t matter where you’re born, you can still achieve your dreams.”

Mat Ryan leaves the field after Australi’s 3-2 loss to the Netherlands in Brazil. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Mat Ryan is hoping to kick on for Club Brugge next season. Picture: George Salpigtidis