AL RAYYAN (QATAR), June 14: Australia qualified for a fifth straight World Cup after a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Peru in their intercontinental playoff. The teams failed to score in regulation and extra time at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Monday, and goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne, sent on as a substitute for captain Mat Ryan in the dying seconds of extra time, proved to be the star for Australia by saving the last penalty from Alex Valera.
Taking off established No. 1 Ryan for Redmayne, who had made just two previous international appearances, was a major gamble from Socceroos coach Graham Arnold.
Redmayne’s unconventional dancing and jumping along the goal-line with his aims and legs flailing as the Peru players stepped up, however, worked.
The dramatic end followed two hours of little action. Australia finished regulation as the only team creating chances.
Ajdin Hrustic had the first shot on target after 82 minutes, and went close again shortly after.
Australia will meet defending champion France in the opening game of Group D on November 22, and take on Tunisia and Denmark.
The final place at the World Cup will be filled in the same stadium on Tuesday when Costa Rica meets New Zealand. (AP)
