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Socceroos coach Graham Arnold reveals why he subbed on goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne late in World Cup qualifier

The West Australian
VideoSocceroos qualify for the World Cup.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has revealed his shock decision to sub in eventual hero Andrew Redmayne was because he wanted to create “uncertainty” for Peru.

Redmayne came off the bench in the final minute of regulation time for captain Maty Ryan in a move that left the soccer world stunned.

But the 33-year-old then went on to become a national hero, saving the final penalty in the shootout to send the Socceroos into a fifth-consecutive World Cup.

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“Andrew Redmayne is a very good penalty saver,” Arnold told Channel 10.

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“And to try to get him to the line on the mental aspect for Peru, that why we were making that change to add that little bit of uncertainty in their brains.

“That’s the reason why.”

Redmayne, who plays for Sydney FC, revealed it was part of a plan leading into the world cup qualifier.

“This ideas was floated pre-selection that this might eventuate in these kind of circumstances,” Redmayne told Channel 10.

“For the two or three weeks that we’ve been here, I’ve kind of been having that in my mind.

“I’ve been working on a few things at training, but at the end of the day it’s the flip of a coin, it’s either right or left.

Andrew Redmayne is subbed on for Mathew Ryan.
Camera IconAndrew Redmayne is subbed on for Mathew Ryan. Credit: Mohamed Farag/Getty Images

“The work has been, the homework has been done and I’m grateful for the other boys who ran out 120 minutes.”

Redmayne has since become a sensation on social media, being described as the “Grey Wiggle” for his goal line antics during penalties.

His wife Caitlin revealed his now-viral celebration was in tribute to his one-year-old daughter Poppy.

“I must say that’s a tribute to our little girls Poppy, that’s face of his that he pulls always lights up her face,” Caitlin told Channel 9.

“Obviously I’m pretty sure that was for her, it wasn’t him just pulling that crazy. That was pretty special.”

Redmayne played down his heroics.

“I’m no hero, I just played my role like everyone else did tonight,” Redmayne said.

“It was not only the eleven on the pitch, so it was much more than that, it’s a team effort.”

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