Australia qualify for World Cup after beating Peru in penalty shootout
SMA NEWS – DOHA
Australia have qualified for the World Cup after beating Peru in a penalty shootout, becoming the penultimate team to reach the tournament.
Victory in the inter-confederation play-offs in Qatar ensures Australia will join Group D alongside France, Denmark and Tunisia. Australia also played France and Denmark at the 2018 World Cup.
Andrew Redmayne was the penalty hero after being subbed on in the final minute of extra-time for Maty Ryan with the score at 0-0.
Dancing on the line during every Peruvian penalty, he saved Alex Valera’s spot-kick in sudden-death to hand Australia a 5-4 shootout win.
Australia’s triumph maintains their record of qualifying for every World Cup since 2006. They made their debut in 1974 and their best performance came as they reached the round of 16 in Germany, 16 years ago.
