Andrew Redmayne's penalty shootout antics were planned to put "uncertainty into Peru brains," Australia coach Graham Arnold has revealed.
Redmayne was the hero for his country after making a decisive penalty save from Peru's Alex Valera in an intercontinental World Cup play-off to send his side to the Qatar finals.
Advertisement
The Sydney FC goalkeeper's contribution was even more impressive given Arnold had sent him on in the final seconds of extra time to replace captain Mat Ryan.
But the most striking aspect of Redmayne's match-winning intervention was his unorthodox touchline dancing.
Redmayne showcased his full repertoire on the touchline, launching into star jumps before trying to further put off Peru's penalty-takers with squats and flailing arms.
Arnold said the 33-year-old's distraction technique had been part of the game plan.
"Andrew Redmayne is a very good penalty saver," Arnold said in a post-match TV interview, reported by AP. He added that he made the late substitution to put a "bit of uncertainty into their brains, get into the mental aspect of Peru."
After a diving save secured a 5-4 shootout success following a goalless 120 minutes, Redmayne wheeled away in celebration then stopped, mouth agape and eyes wide, waiting for a celebratory pile-on and delighting social media in the process.
"I'm not a hero," Redmayne — who had played only twice before for the national team —said after the game.
"I just played my role like everyone else. I can't thank the team enough, the staff enough. I'm not going to take credit."
Australia had beaten United Arab Emirates in an Asian play-off before repeating the trick to reach the 2022 tournament.
They will face France, Tunisia and Denmark in Group D, kicking off against the reigning champions on November 22.
(Photo: Getty Images)