Socceroos receive heroes’ welcome on their return to Sydney after triumphing in their World Cup do-or-die mission against Peru – as penalty shoot-out king Andrew Redmayne reunites with one-year old daughter in emotional scenes
- The Socceroos received a heroes’ welcome on their return to Australia
- Graham Arnold’s side secured their place at the World Cup after beating Peru
- Andrew Redmayne was the penalty shoot-out hero for the betting underdogs
- There were emotional scenes as the 33-year-old reunited with his daughter
- Click here for all the latest World Cup 2022 news and updates
The Socceroos have returned from their do-or-die mission to Qatar, with the young family of hero goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne surprising him at Sydney Airport for an emotional reunion.
Redmayne’s save ensured the Socceroos won a penalty shootout to triumph over Peru in their playoff, avoiding missing out on qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 20 years.
Instead, they’ll return to the scene of that historic victory for the World Cup in November.
Australia’s heroes received a rapturous ovation on their return to Sydney earlier on Wednesday
Penalty shoot-out king Andrew Redmayne was reunited with his one-year old daughter
The 33-year-old kisses his wife Caitlin after a whirlwind 24 hours post their win over Peru
In the meantime, those who play club football in the northern hemisphere, including Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine and Bailey Wright, are preparing to reunite with their teammates for pre-season.
Other Socceroos based in Australia will enjoy a bit more of a break on home soil.
Socceroos diehards intent on giving the Aussies a heroes’ welcome joined Redmayne’s family at the airport on Wednesday evening.
Kye Rowles, Craig Goodwin and captain Mathew Ryan, who subbed out for Redmayne before the penalty shootout, were among the other Socceroos returning to Sydney.
Redmayne talks to his daughter Poppy with Socceroos captain Matthew Ryan in Sydney
Real Sociedad goalkeeper Ryan pushes his luggage through Sydney airport on Wednesday
Graham Arnold’s gamble to swap his captain out for a penalty shootout specialist with only two previous Socceroos caps proved as effective as it was daring.
The Socceroos now turn their attention to the World Cup itself, where they have drawn into the same group as Tunisia, Denmark and reigning champions France.
Football Australia has already confirmed Australia will face New Zealand for two friendlies in September that are set to serve as World Cup preparation.
New Zealand won’t feature at the World Cup, having been knocked out of the race to qualify by Costa Rica.
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