Australia secure FIFA World Cup spot after beating Peru on penalties

AL-RAYYAN: Australia’s substitute goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne saved the final penalty to bolster his side to claim a spot in the forthcoming FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 as they edged Peru 5-4 in the shootout following a 0-0 draw in an inter-continental play-off.

The two sides remained involved in a fierce battle and could not be separated after 120 minutes; forcing the match to go into the shootout phase.

With the shootout score at 5-4, Peru’s Alex Valera came for the much-needed equalizer but failed as Redmayne danced across the goal line before diving to the right to stop the ball.

Three minutes before the game’s completion, Redmayne was introduced for the shootout. His theatrics on the field as he tried to divert the opposing kickers made him an instant star.

Following this victory, Australia qualified for a fifth successive World Cup and a sixth in total. They will play in World Cup Group D with the reigning champion France, alongside Denmark and Tunisia. The finals run from November 21-December 18.

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