Ryan and Australia out of Asian Cup after quarter-final defeat against hosts the United Arab Emirates

Brighton & Hove Albion's Australian goalkeeper Maty Ryan. Picture by PW Sporting Photography.

The Socceroos had been bidding to retain their Asian Cup crown, after winning the tournament on home soil in 2015, but were defeated by a side 32 places below them in the FIFA World Rankings.

Ryan made a big save in the 21st minute of the match. Emirati forward Ismaeel Al Hammadi galloped into the penalty box and smashed the ball towards the Australian goal but the Albion 'keeper did well to parry.

SEE ALSO Brighton's Jahanbakhsh helps Iran reach first Asian Cup semi-finals in 15 years | Ryan's penalty heroics sees Australia advance to Asian Cup quarter-finals | Jahanbakhsh scores as Iran reach Asian Cup quarter-finalsDespite the first 45 minutes being an end-to-end game full of fast-paced attacking football from both sides, the score remained goalless at half-time.

The United Arab Emirates netted what proved to be the winner on 68 minutes after a defensive error from Milos Degenek. An awful backpass from Degenek back to Ryan was picked up by the UAE's Ali Mabkout who skipped past the Seagulls stopper to roll the ball into an empty net.

After Australia's cup exit, Ryan could make his Albion return in their Premier League away trip to Fulham on Tuesday January 29, or at home to Watford on Saturday February 2.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper had been ever-present for Brighton this season, making 17 appearances before his Asian Cup call.

Despite Ryan exiting the Asian Cup, there will still be a Seagulls presence at the tournament as Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Iran take on Japan in the first semi-finals on Monday January 28.