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Australian Goalkeeper Uses Crazy Antics, Great Save To Send His Country Back To FIFA World Cup

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  • Australia defeated Peru 5-4 on penalties to qualify for its fifth straight FIFA World Cup
  • Goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was subbed on just before penalty kicks for the Socceroos
  • Redmayne used interesting tactics to try to distract Peru’s penalty takers, including dancing and jumping jacks

Australia is headed back to the FIFA World Cup and it has the strange exploits of Andrew Redmayne to thank.

The Socceroos squared off with Peru in FIFA World Cup playoff for one of the final spots in the tournament, which begins Nov. 21 in Qatar.

Following 120 minutes of scoreless soccer, the two teams went to a penalty shootout. Just before the shootout, however, Redmayne was subbed into the game for starter Mat Ryan.

The move has to sub on a goalkeeper has become trendy of late. Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal made the famous call to win his side a World Cup game against Costa Rica in 2014.

Redmayne didn’t stop any of the first five shots he faced against the Peruvians, but his dance moves and strange antics in goal had Twitter abuzz.

It’s not uncommon for goalkeepers to spread themselves wide and wave their arms to distract penalty kick takers. But Redmayne’s version of things was particularly bizarre. Thankfully for the Aussies, it worked, as he saved the fifth kick of Peru’s Alex Valera to send his team to Qatar.

Fans were not only excited for Redmayne, but for the hope they may see him again on the big stage.

For now, the goalkeeper returns to his club Sydney FC as a national hero.