Australia became the 31st team to book their place at the 2022 World Cup after beating Peru on penalties in an intercontinental play-off in Qatar.
Goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne, who replaced Mat Ryan just before the shootout for his third cap, was the hero, saving Alex Valera’s final kick.
The game itself in Al Rayyan was far from a classic, with no chances of note in the opening 80 minutes. Australia had three good opportunities in the final 10 minutes with Ajdin Hrustic forcing two saves and Aziz Behich curling just wide.
Edison Flores had Peru’s only shot on target but his long-range strike in extra time was straight at Ryan.
He went even closer, with the game’s best chance, when his header hit the post.
The game was played in excess of 30C in an air-conditioned Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
In the build-up to the game Peru assistant boss Nolberto Solano raised concerns that the World Cup itself was moved to November to avoid the stifling heat, and yet some of the play-offs have been played now.
His side, who were hoping to reach a second consecutive World Cup, had finished fifth in South American qualifying to reach this game.
Australia finished third in their Asian qualifying group and beat the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in Qatar last Tuesday to set up their showdown with Peru.
This will be Australia’s fifth World Cup in a row, having qualified every time since 2006.
They will be in Group D alongside holders France, Denmark and Tunisia.
The World Cup’s final team will be decided later today when Costa Rica face New Zealand at the same venue, the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
