When should you back experience? And when should you back potential? As leaders, It’s one of the most difficult decisions we have to make.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has given us a fascinating example.
Before Australia’s opening match, coach Tony Popovic made a bold decision. He dropped captain and veteran goalkeeper Mat Ryan; one of only three Socceroos to have played over 100 international matches. In came Patrick Beach, a rookie who had played just two international matches before this tournament.
It looked like a big gamble, but it paid off. Beach was outstanding as Australia defeated Türkiye 2-0.
Next up, Australia played the United States. Popovic backed Beach again, and this time, Australia lost 2-0.
When do you turn to Experience?
Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer argued that Beach hadn’t been poor, but that for the third match against Paraguay, it was time to bring Ryan back. He said, experience matters in World Cup football. Plus, the stakes had now been raised. A poor result could end Australia’s campaign, and one mistake by the goalkeeper could the one thing that decides their fate.
It wasn’t that Ryan hadn’t played Paraguay before, he hadn’t. But Schwarzer’s point was that Ryan had experienced enough big football moments across his entire career to recognise what mattered in one.
Then came the twist.
Popovic rejected the advice. He backed Beach again.
Australia drew 0-0 with Paraguay and qualified for the knockout stage. A great result, and so far, Popovic’s decision has been vindicated.
The Deeper Question
But now it’s sudden death against Egypt. Lose and you’re going home.
So what do you do? Do you continue backing the goalkeeper whose form has helped get you there? Or do you turn to the veteran who has lived through four World Cups and more than a hundred international matches?
The easy way to look at this is experience versus youth.
But I think there is a deeper question: What experience is most relevant to this moment?
Patrick Beach brings confidence, momentum and current form. Mat Ryan brings years of having been in big games. He’s lived the pressure, expectation and the weight of what’s at stake.
It’s important to note: neither choice guarantees success. But the coach must choose between different forms of experience.
Why We Misunderstand Experience
This is why we often misunderstand experience. It’s not collection of memories. It shapes how we see a situation, what we trust, and ultimately, the action we choose next. The value of any experience depends entirely on whether it prepares you for the specific moment in front of you.
The challenge for every leader isn’t deciding whether experience matters. It’s recognising which experience is most useful right now.
Sometimes the right choice is fresh eyes and sometimes it’s a cool head.
Knowing the difference may itself be one of the highest forms of experience.
What do you think? If you were Tony Popovic, who would you pick for Australia’s knockout game: Patrick Beach or Mat Ryan? Rookie or veteran?
More importantly, what does that decision teach us about experience?
Source: FIFA World Cup: Socceroos should play Mat Ryan against Paraguay, Mark Schwarzer says
Postscript: For the knockout match against Egypt, Coach Popovic chose Patrick Beach to be the goalkeeper. With the score 1-1 nearing the end of extra time, Mat Ryan replaced Beach to prepare for the penalty kicks to decide the match. Egypt won 4-2 on penalties.
More Field Notes
This is Field Note #3. Field Notes are observations from my ongoing enquiry into experience. To learn more about how to make the most of your experience, read these posts next:
- What a Shark Attack taught me about Experience
- What a Designer taught me about Experience
- What Trainspotting taught me about Experience
