Australia's Andrew Redmayne instantly became a national hero on Monday night after his exploits earned the Socceroos the right to play at this year's World Cup. The goalkeeper who made a substitute appearance in Monday night's play-off final against Peru saved a decisive spot-kick to secure the last qualification ticket to Qatar 2022 for the Oceanian side.
After 120 minutes of football, the two teams could not be separated despite both sides coming close to scoring. Arguably the biggest chance of the proceeding came in the first half of extra-time when Gianluca Lapadula almost put the South Americans in front but saw his header bounce off the base of the Australian goalpost.
Before the referee could bring finality to the encounter, Australia made the game-defining change by replacing goalkeeper Matthew Ryan with Sydney FC's Andrew Redmayne. Needless to say, they did not have the best of starts with their first kick by Martin Boyle being saved by Peru's Pedro Gallese.
The subsequent four kicks were all successful and Australia were presented a lifeline when Luis Advíncula blazed Peru's third attempt of the night over the bar. Ajdin Hrustić, Renato Tapia, Jamie MacLaren, Edison Flores and Awer Mabil all scored with their subsequent efforts before Andrew Redmayne theatrically saved the final kick of the game by Alex Valera. Watch:
#RumboAlMundial ¡LA ATAJADA PARA EL BOLETO!
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 13, 2022
Redmayne se vistió de héroe y manda a la @FIFAWorldCup a su selección
Síguelo por @Telemundo y @peacockTV https://t.co/uP9YQe2lA2
Telemundo la casa de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA #Catar2022#MundialTelemundo pic.twitter.com/Ud29SpdTSM
Australia's victory over Peru means they join France, Tunisia and Denmark in Group D of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Socceroos will take on the current world champions in their opening group game of the campaign.