Socceroos player ratings vs Peru: Redmayne the hero among Australia's World Cup-bound stars

Kieran Francis

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Socceroos player ratings vs Peru: Redmayne the hero among Australia's World Cup-bound stars image

Australia is on their way to the Qatar 2022 World Cup after an extraordinary 5-4 penalty shootout win against Peru following a 0-0 draw in Doha, Qatar.

The Socceroos were the better team throughout the 90 minutes and extra time but needed the heroics from several players in the penalty shootout to squeeze through in a memorable performance.

Here's how we rated the Socceroos players against Peru...

Maty Ryan 7

What absolute grace from captain Ryan to accept being substituted just prior to penalties the way he did. The Australian no.1 was rock solid during his time on the field too. Only nearly being beaten by a shot that struck the post in extra time.

Nathaniel Atkinson 6

In only his third cap, it looked like it was going to be a long night for Atkinson after being booked early but he was extremely dependable at right full-back. Didn't get forward as much as he would have liked but that was not his primary role.

Bailey Wright 8

Drafted in to the Socceroos' playoff team after an injury to Trent Sainsbury, the experienced Wright failed to put a foot wrong in a monumental performance as leader of the Australian defence.

Kye Rowles 7

Also receiving only his third cap, Rowles showed he is going to be a national team star for a long time with an assured performance that belied his age and experience.

Aziz Behich 7

The maligned defender put in a steady performance at left back, getting forward to support the attack as well as completing his defensive duties. He even carved out a chance at goal with an impressive slaloming run through three Peru defenders.

Jackson Irvine 7

An absolute work horse in midfield. Irvine did his best as one of the box-to-box midfielders, getting back to help the defence but also making late runs into the box to be a scoring threat. Got his head on some deliveries a few times but failed to really trouble the opposition goalkeeper.

Aaron Mooy 9

Having barely played much football over the last few months, Mooy lasted the 120 minutes and was the best midfielder on the pitch. He dictated play but also battled hard in duels both in the air and on the ground. What a performance.

Ajdin Hrustic 6

Not his best match for the green and gold but hardly disgraced himself as a creative outlet for Australia's quick breaks. Had Australia's best chance in the 88th minute but scuffed his shot across the face.

Martin Boyle 8

Despite going missing in the latter stages, most likely due to fatigue, Boyle was the most dangerous attacker on the pitch through the first half and much of the second. Australia constantly used him as an outlet and the Scottish-born winger responded by beating men and sending deliveries into the box. Missed a penalty but it doesn't matter anymore.

Mathew Leckie 6

Was a bit of a peripheral figure in the contest but you could not doubt his work-rate when on the field. Might be best suited to a centre-forward role as he gets older.

Mitch Duke 6

You couldn't fault Duke's work rate as the lone striker during his 70 minutes on the pitch. Lacked a bit of a quality with the ball but tirelessly chased, hassled and tried to win the ball back off the Peruvians.

Substitutes

Andrew Redmayne 10

He didn't have much to do but Redmayne's performance to save two penalties, especially after Australia went one behind, was truly stunning. His almost comical 'Wiggles' penalty-saving routine clearly threw Peru off. The hero and a most unexpected one at that.

Awer Mabil 8

Carved out quite a few chances during his limited time on the pitch, including Hrustic's golden opening in the 88th minute. Calmly scored Australia's last spot kick before Redmayne made the winning save.

Jamie Maclaren 7

Didn't do a whole lot on the field but nailed his spot kick in the shootout. And that's all that matters now.

Craig Goodwin 7

Came on solely to take a penalty and scored it. Job done.

Fran Karacic 6

Worked hard down the right flank when players were tiring.

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis Photo

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.