Patrick Beach may have only been known on the streets of Melbourne before their defiant 2-0 victory over a much-fancied Turkey, but after his star turn in goal, many more will be aware of this 22-year-old, and that is down to a big call from his manager.
Beach took the spot of veteran Mat Ryan. His experience was seen, before the tournament, as one of Australia's strengths. From his time in the Premier League to his 104 caps with the national side, Ryan was expected to start on Saturday night in Vancouver - it seemed the easiest name to put on the teamsheet.
Not for Popovic - he decided on Thursday that it would be Beach who would don the gloves. With no competitive appearances to his name, the ripples were felt around the stadium.
It didn't take long for Popovic's gamble to seem divine.
After Nestory Irankunda netted on his own World Cup debut, using Tim Cahill's trademark celebration in the process - an ode to his hero - Beach got his fingertips to a fierce Abdulkerim Bardakci strike, forcing it onto the post.
Considered by most to be Australia's third-choice goalkeeper, Beach looked like he belonged on the biggest stage, gaining a 9.1 rating from Flashscore's new rating system as he made save after save.
Eight chances came and went for Turkey as Beach refused to crumble, and he was aptly supported by an Australian back five, throwing themselves at every shot, intercepting where they could and remaining disciplined despite wave after wave of pressure from their opposition.
The icing on the cake was a late stunner from Connor Metcalfe, a goal of such importance that Beach ran the length of the field to celebrate with his teammates.
'Dream come true'
After a performance that belied his inexperience, Beach told Flashscore, along with assorted media from across the globe, that this moment is something that will live long in the memory.
He said: "It was amazing, this is a dream come true.
"This is all you think about as a kid, this is the pinnacle to play for your country on the world stage and to get a result in a close game, and against a great opposition, was one of the best nights.
Focused throughout, he even had a chance to soak in the atmosphere, celebrating Irankunda's opener with the wall of green and gold behind his net.
Speaking about that strike, he reflected: "It was just absolute limbs, wasn't it?
"Seeing the whole crowd, all the yellow and green was going crazy - I was going crazy. It was an unbelievable moment, something we will remember for sure."
The Melbourne City stopper did not put a foot wrong all evening despite the pressure, something that didn't go unnoticed by his teammates.
Irankunda added: "I'm super proud of him. He's done so well, he's been training extra hard, and I know a lot of people weren't expecting him to start. He came out today, and he has shown the world what he can do.
"He made some important saves, and if it wasn't for him, the scoreline could have been different. He saved us..."
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In a world of YouTube highlight reels where every professional seems to be known by the world from the age of 14, Beach's turn on Saturday night felt like a throwback - a diamond found in the rough, harking back to the purity and joy of watching a World Cup pre-internet.
No doubt after his performance, social media will be awash with praise for him, but to have your breakout on this stage is what we all want from this tournament.
There's 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 on the board, a point, either against the USA on Friday or against Paraguay, is likely to seal their passage into the round of 32. Then they will chase the demons of 2022, where they were knocked out in the last 16 by eventual champions, Argentina.
If their new star man can continue to repay the faith Popovic has shown in him, Australia have a fighting chance of causing more shocks at this World Cup. For now, Beach has written a new fairytale for the Socceroos.
Check out the full report from the game with Flashscore.
Josh Donaldson is a Global Senior Editor and International Football Specialist for Flashscore. From the UK, now living in Prague, Josh specialises in football and cycling and can be found at an obscure ground watching games or on his bike. You can follow Josh on X and read his articles here.
