Ryan can bank on his family support

UN-BELIEVABLE: Impersonators of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian president Vladimir Putin joke around during the host nation’s 3-0 defeat by Uruguay in Samara yesterday BRIGHTON keeper Mathew Ryan will not be short of support when Australia face Peru in Sochi today because he has paid for 27 members of his family to be there.

Ryan’s family are following him everywhere as the keeper’s way of saying thank you for their support over the years.

The group ranges from a granddad in his seventies to a cousin aged three. “They’ve witnessed all the sacrifices I’ve made so it’s nice to give them something back,” said Ryan, left. “It’s a big group but could have been more. I asked all the family – half of them said yes, the other half are still at home. Good news for the bank account.” GERMANY midfielder Sebastian Rudy could play in a protective mask against South Korea tomorrow after breaking his nose during the late win over Sweden on Saturday night.

Assistant coach Marcus Sorg said that he had not given up hope that Rudy will avoid joining the suspended Jerome Boateng on the sidelines.

Sorg said: “Sebastian Rudy underwent surgery yesterday so we have to be prepared for him to be sidelined for the next match. But if there is the possibility for him to play in a protective mask, we could consider it.”