Australian goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne became a national hero and instant meme on Monday, as his flailing dance moves on the line during a shootout against Peru helped his country reach the World Cup.
Redmayne was brought on in the 120th minute of a scoreless match as the World Cup intercontinental playoff inevitably lurched toward a shootout to determine a spot in Qatar.
We’ve seen goalkeepers subbed on as penalty specialists before but the interesting thing about Redmayne is that … he isn’t even that good at saving penalties?
Redmayne has stopped four of 27 penalties in his career. pic.twitter.com/ddZFP0Nrv3
— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) June 13, 2022
No matter! Because what Redmayne lacks in penalty saving skills, he makes up for with comical dance moves designed to delight, distract, intimidate and entertain.
Prior to every Peru penalty, Redmayne hopped back and forth across the goal line, flailing his arms and kicking his feet from side to side, apparently convinced that his opponents wouldn’t be able to handle how ridiculous he looked.
And he was kind of right! Redmayne saved two penalties, including a final stop in sudden death from Alex Valera, sending Australia to the World Cup.
THE DANCING WORKED 🕺😂
Redmayne saves the penalty to send Australia to the 2022 FIFA World Cup!pic.twitter.com/7UHEYltCZi
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 13, 2022