Australia have qualified for the 2022 World Cup, after a penalty shootout win against Peru in their sudden death play-off match.
Despite going into the match as underdogs, Australia were the better side through 90 minutes, with their opponents failing to muster a single shot on target in a pretty dull 0-0 affair.
The biggest talking point will undoubtedly be coach Graham Arnold’s decision to substitute captain and goalkeeper Mat Ryan in the final minute of extra time, opting for penalty specialist Andrew Redmayne to be between the sticks in the shootout.
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“Andrew Redmayne is a very good penalty saver,” Arnold said afterwards.
“To try to get him on the mental aspect while we were making that change, to add that bit of uncertainty in their brains, that was, yeah, that is the reason why.”
Fans may remember Louis van Gaal opting to sub on Tim Krul for starting keeper Jasper Cillessen at the 2014 World Cup against Costa Rica. Krul saved two shots and the Dutch won.
But it can go both ways, more recently in the English League Cup final, Chelsea introduced Kepa Arrizabalaga in place of Edouard Mendy for the shootout.
The Spaniard failed to save any of Liverpool’s 11 spot kicks, before missing his own, costing Chelsea the win.
But in this case, it paid off in spades. After Martin Boyle missed Australia’s opening kick of the shootout, the Socceroos were perfect from the spot. Peru’s first two takers converted before Luis Advincula’s kick smashed into the post, and then with the game on the line, Redmayne went the right way on Alex Valera’s effort.
Australia will join France, Denmark, and Tunisia in a tough group – their first game coming against the defending champions at 6am on November 23 (AEST).
Arnold’s men edged a first half that was devoid of any clear-cut chances, with Scottish-born winger Martin Boyle the only player on either side who looked dangerous in possession.
The only real talking point of the first half came as Boyle wormed his way into the penalty area, only for a crunching tackle from Christofer Gonzales knocking the ball loose – although the Peruvian looked to slide in out of control with his studs raised.
Peru were a bit better after the interval, but still offered little.
The main appeal of knockout football is that everything is at stake. The drawback is that when both teams know this, you’re often left with two sides that are playing to not lose, rather than to win.
This cagey affair demonstrated that perfectly – a long-range free kick from Ajden Hrustic after 80 minutes was the first shot that either team had on target. It was easily saved by the goalkeeper, Pedro Gallese.
It did spur Australia into life, first Awer Mabil sending a dangerous cross into the area, then Aziz Behich flashing a shot wide from 20 yards.
Mabil’s injection into the match gave them some sorely needed thrust down the left and it was his cutback that Hrustic latched on to from the edge of the box, deflecting off Jamie Maclaren and only just saved by a diving Gallese.
The drama wasn’t finished yet – it looked like Jackson Irvine was pushed over in the penalty area in stoppage time, only for both the on-field referee and VAR to brush it off.
Into extra time the game went – where a tired looking Australia hung on for dear life.
Peru had their first shot on target after 98 minutes, which was easily saved by Ryan, but the biggest chance of the match came in the second period of extra time.
On the 107 minute mark, Edison Flores’ header struck the post, and the follow up was spooned over the bar – the Socceroos somehow escaping.
Australia/Peru become the 31st nation to qualify for the World Cup, with either Costa Rica or New Zealand joining them tomorrow.
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