World Cup 2018: big team of family backs goalkeeper Mat Ryan

Mat Ryan’s travelling contingent of family members outnumbers the 23-man Socceroos squad in Russia.

Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan has 26 family members in Russia to watch him play. Picture: Toby Zerna

Goalkeeper Mat Ryan didn’t hesitate to put his hand in his pocket when Australia qualified for the World Cup, paying for 27 of his family to fly around Russia and support the Socceroos.

The 26-year-old said today that his family, ranging from his “70-something-year-old grandfather to my three-year-old cousin” was on the trip of a lifetime.

But it could have been bigger. Ryan joked that only half the family was able to take time off work to come across to Russia.

He explained: “’I asked the family members and they were interested to come across. Half said yes, half are still at home, it’s a bit better for the back account I guess. It is all designed to be a life long memory for all involved; there is nothing better than begin able to treat family well and to look after them. I am fortunate and fortunate from football to be able to do that.’’

When told that the Ryan contingent was more than the 23-strong Australian squad, Ryan said: “that’s the influence family has on you. They’ve been there for the journey … they’ve witnessed every sacrificed I have gone through.”

Ryan, who has been the goalkeeper in all of the Socceroos World Cup games in this campaign and will start in Tuesday’s blockbuster against Peru, said he had previously flown his mother, Carol, and sister Megan to watch him play for English Premier League side Brighton, but this was the first time the offer had been extended to the broader group.

“I just try to give back a bit,” he said.

Ryan has been one of the busiest goalkeepers of the World Cup, being involved in touching the ball much more than an occasional save. He said the style of play demanded by coach Bert van Marwijk was using his feet more often as the team organised its defence.

Ryan said if Australia beat Peru and the France-Denmark match fell Australia’s way, then making the final 16 would mean “the absolute world to me”.

“If we are successful, it is not only us but the whole nation of Australia will remember the night for a long time,’’ he said.

“Like 2006 in Germany, I have not forgotten Australia beating Japan and progressing and then the heartache that followed in the Italian game. It would mean the absolute world to me and show all the sacrifice and dedication over the years, it all pays off.”