AUSTRALIA GOALKEEPER SHINE IN WORLD CUP PLAY OFF PENALTY SHOOT OUT WITH BIZARRE STAGE
Australia’s backup goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was the unexpected hero as he saved a crucial penalty to ensure his side qualified for the World Cup
Australia goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne provided some penalty heroics to ensure his side qualified for a sixth World Cup.
Redmayne plays second-fiddle to number one choice and captain, former Brighton and Hove Albion’s custodian Matthew Ryan. And as expected, Ryan started in goal against Peru in a game that no side could outsmart the other after 120 minutes.
With the game headed for penalties, Australia’s head coach Graham Arnold made the bold decision to substitute Ryan and replaced him with Redmayne. Redmayne was only making his third appearance for the national side.
It was Redmayne’s dancing tactics in the goal area that got the attention of the global audience. The 33-year-old paced on the touchline before any Peruvian player took his spot-kick.
He failed to save any of the first penalties, with Luis Advincula hitting the post. With the game now at sudden death, Awer Mabil converted his penalty for Australia, leaving Redmayne with the chance to save the resultant penalty and become a hero.
And save he did. After dancing as usual on his line, the Sydney FC goalkeeper dived the correct way to thwart Alex Valera and ensure Australia qualified for a fifth consecutive World Cup.
The Daily Express reports that Redmayne was ready to quit football in 2016 and become a full-time teacher. He was. However, convinced to stay on and earned his first cap at the age of 30 years.
