World Cup 2018: Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan pays for 27 members of his family to watch him in Russia

The clan ranges from a three-year-old cousin to a grandfather in his seventies

Mathew Ryan has paid for 27 members of his family to travel to Russia and watch him represent Australia, who face a crucial Group C meeting with Peru in Sochi on Tuesday.

Ryan and team-mates must beat Peru, hope Denmark lose to France and also better the Danes’ goal difference or goals scored in order to book their place in the round of 16.

The 24-year-old, who represents Brighton and Hove Albion at club level, knows the odds are against Australia but even if they fall short, he will at least be able to rely on the support of his nearest and dearest at the Fisht Olympic Stadium.

“I guess that’s the influence the family have on you,” he said on Monday, having confirmed that a small army of Ryans would be present in Sochi to cheer him on. “They’ve witnessed everything I’ve gone through and all the sacrifices.”

The group of 27 ranges from a three-year-old cousin to a grandfather in his seventies. “I covered the trip for them,” Ryan said.

“For me to share the experience for them, it’s something for them to remember for the rest of my life. Our plan is not to leave – and theirs neither.”

The clan’s number could have been even bigger. Ryan offered every member of his family the chance to join him in Russia but revealed that only half accepted.

“Good news for the bank account, I suppose,” he joked, before adding: “A World Cup doesn’t come around every so often. It was a chance to share something like them it was a no-brainer.

“I wanted it to become a lifelong memory. I’m thankful to the game for allowing me to do that.”

If Australia do reach the round of 16, it would equal their best-ever World Cup finish, achieved by the ‘golden generation’ of 2006.

That year, under the management of Guus Hiddink, the Socceroos were narrowly denied a quarter-final place by Italy, the eventual winners.

Ryan was a teenager at the time, watching from the other side of the world in the early hours of the morning, and he hopes this new crop of Australian talent can emulate their predecessors.

“[To reach the round of 16] would mean the reason why I play the sport. To be as successful as you can and create as many lifelong memories as you can,” he said.

“If we are successful, the whole nation hopefully will remember that achievement. Just as much as that in 2006, celebrating us beating Japan and all the heartache that followed against Italy.

“It would mean the world to me. All the sacrifice and dedication, it means it will have all paid off.”