Australia qualified for the World Cup in Qatar on Monday at the expense of Peru. In the decisive intercontinental play-off the Socceroos after a penalty series, in which substitute goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne claimed the leading role.
In regular time and extra time, no goals were scored in the game, in which Redmayne was brought in for the penalty series at the end of extra time. The Sydney FC goalkeeper made many wild moves with every penalty from Peru – similar to Tim Krul at the 2014 World Cup.
Australia took the first penalty of the series and missed immediately: Martin Boyle’s attempt was stopped by Pedro Gallese. Later, the ‘dancing’ Redmayne was able to cheer, as his distractions seemed to work and Luis Advincula hit the post on behalf of Peru.
No one failed in the ensuing penalties, until a save by 33-year-old Redmayne from Alex Valera’s penalty gave Australia the World Cup ticket. The substitution of Australian national coach Graham Arnold, former player of Roda JC and NAC, turned out to be a golden opportunity.
Australia will be in Group E at the World Cup against Spain, Germany and Japan. It is the fifth time in a row that Australia participates in the global final tournament. Only in 2006 was the knockout stage led by Guus Hiddink. For the other participations, the group stage was the final station.
The field of participants for the World Cup in Qatar is almost complete due to Australia’s win. On Tuesday, Costa Rica and New Zealand will compete for the last ticket to the tournament, which starts on November 21.
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Chances are few in nerve-wracking duel
In the Ahmed bin Ali stadium, where seven World Cup matches will be played in about five months, the opportunities were scarce. In the first half, goalkeepers Mathew Ryan and Gallese never had to come into action on a goal attempt.
After the break, Peru gained the upper hand from former Feyenoord player Renato Tapia and former FC Emmen midfielder Sergio Peña. Nevertheless, it was Australia that fired the first shot through former FC Groningen midfielder Ajdin Hrustic.
It turned out to be the start of a final offensive, because not much later Aziz Behich was close to the winning goal. The defender, who wore the PSV shirt in the 2018/2019 season, shot just wide. Shortly after, it was another effort by Hrustic, but his attempt was stopped.
Because the goalkeepers also kept their goal clean in extra time, penalties had to make the decision about the World Cup ticket. In it, Redmayn, who had been sitting on the bench for 120 minutes, became the absolute hero of Australia à la Krul.
Andrew Redmayne (right) was the center of the celebration afterwards.
Andrew Redmayne (right) was the center of the celebration afterwards. Photo: Getty Images