Australia's Socceroos suffered a heartbreak defeat in their World Cup knockout stage match against Egypt, losing a penalty shootout 4-2 after a 1-1 draw.

Coach Tony Popovic defended his controversial decision to substitute goalkeeper Mat Ryan for 18-year-old Lucas Herrington, who missed a crucial penalty.

Despite Herrington's earlier performances, his miss in the shootout, along with missed chances from Harry Souttar and Jackson Irvine, sealed Australia's fate.

Popovic acknowledged the emotional toll of the loss, emphasizing that the substitution was a tactical call based on the team's need for experience.The defeat marks Australia's third consecutive World Cup exit from the knockout stages, with the team now facing elimination from the tournament.The match highlighted both tactical decisions and individual pressures, underscoring the challenges of high-stakes international football.