'Dream' achieved, Australia out to prove they deserve World Cup 2022 berth - Hrustic

Australia secured fifth successive global finals appearance with dramatic penalty shootout win against Peru

Andrew Redmayne of Australia reacts after saving a penalty during the shootout in the 2022 World Cup Intercontinental playoff against Peru at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on June 13, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. Australia booked their place to the global finals by winning the shootout 5-4. Getty Images

Craig Goodwin and Andrew Redmayne of Australia celebrate in the dressing room. Getty Images

Australia defender Aziz Behich celebrates with Australia goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne. AFP

Australia goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne concedes a goal in the penalty shootout against Peru. AFP

Australia's goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne poses for a selfie with fans after winning the World Cup 2022 playoff against Peru on June 13, 2022, at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Australia beat Peru 5-4 in a penalty shootout to secure the penultimate free place at the World Cup. AFP

Australia goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne celebrates with Aziz Behich. AFP

Australia goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne, left, replaces Mathew Ryan. AFP

Australia's Andrew Redmayne and teammates celebrate after qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. Reuters

Australia celebrate in their changing room after defeating Peru. Getty Images

Awer Mabil of Australia reacts after defeating Peru in the 2022 World Cup playoff match. Getty Images

Jamie MacLaren of Australia celebrates. Getty Images

Dejected Peru players support each other after being defeated by Australia. Getty Images

Edison Flores of Peru takes a shot at goal during the penalty shootout. Getty Images

Edison Flores of Peru looks to control the ball as Jackson Irvine of Australia falls to the ground. Getty Images

Christofer Gonzales of Peru makes a run with the ball. Getty Images

Australia forward Ajdin Hrustic has called on his team to prove they belong at the World Cup later this year after fulfilling a “dream” by qualifying on Monday night.

Graham Arnold’s side defeated Peru on penalties in the play-off in Al Rayyan to reach Qatar 2022, with substitute goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne sealing the victory. The match at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium had finished goalless after 120 minutes.

Australia, who edged past the UAE in the Asian play-off last week, have booked a spot at a fifth successive World Cup – and sixth overall.

Speaking to the Asian Football Confederation’s official website immediately after the win, Hrustic said: “I can’t put into words what I’m feeling. I think it has just kicked in to me that we are going to the World Cup, that we will be back here in November.

“It was a long road; it wasn’t easy, I have to admit. We have been playing away from home without our fans. We have been stuck in hotels trying to qualify and we worked hard.

“I don’t think many people believed in us if I’m being honest. You know I heard we are underdogs, but underdogs fight, fight and focus until the last second."

On Monday, Arnold surprised many watching by introducing Redmayne solely to contest the shootout, when he replaced captain Mat Ryan in the final minute of extra-time.

The Sydney goalkeeper duly obliged, saving Alex Valera’s spot-kick to ensure Australia triumphed 5-4 on penalties. Throughout the shootout, Redmayne attempted to put off his Peruvian opponents by dancing along the line, waving his arms and even wiggling his hips.

“I wasn’t surprised, because I know what Redders can do, and it puts players off,” Hrustic said. “In training I scored against him, but it’s not easy because his movement puts the penalty taker off and it’s difficult to keep focused.

“I told him before the penalties started, ‘You are going to be the big man now, we are going to need you’. And he stepped up."

In qualifying, Australia go into Group D for the November 21-December 18 tournament alongside world champions France, Denmark and Tunisia.

“My dreams as a kid have been achieved and now I want more,” Hrustic said. “Going to the World Cup is something amazing, but now we want to step up at the Fifa World Cup and show how good we are as a team, as a country and as individuals.”