Coach Graham Arnold hailed Scarrow’s efforts to qualify for the FIFA World Cup as “one of the greatest achievements of all time” and jokingly suggested that Australia should be given a public holiday to celebrate.
After beating Peru 5-4 on penalties, substitute goalkeeper Andrew Redmine’s hero, with a decisive save, is heading to their fifth World Cup in a row.
Arnold’s decision to replace Matt Ryan with Redmine for the shootout would have been questioned for many years if the Scorsese had lost, instead he would have been praised forever.
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“Andrew Redmine is a very good penalty saver,” Arnold later said.
“Trying to bring him to the emotional side when we were making that change, to add some of that uncertainty to their brains, yes, that’s the reason.”
In 1983, the then Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, famously declared, “Any boss who fires anyone for not coming today is a liar” after winning the Australia II America’s Cup. Arnold said the achievement of Socrates was forced four decades ago by a rival, epidemic-disrupted schedule.
“I called Anthony Albanese the other day to give everyone a holiday to celebrate it because I believe it is one of the biggest achievements so far. Twenty20 World Cup qualifiers, we have played 16 outs.”
Striker Mitchell Duke was on the moon as a result, but said he was going to have a “panic attack” due to being shot.
“I’ve never been in a situation like this before,” Duke said.
“It’s a great achievement for everyone involved, so proud of the boys, we’ve come a long way. A lot of people have signed up.
“I’m very proud of the boys.”
The duke also paid tribute to Redmine, who was present in his third match for the 33-year-old Australian.
“Everyone has played their part. The Raiders, being dragged for the pen (fine), have done an incredible job.
“It was for Australia. Absolutely clutch. ‘Arnie’ gave him that confidence, I’m sure Matty would be disappointed, but everyone played their part.
“I can’t explain this feeling. It’s a pleasure. It was for Australia, thank you for believing in us. We’re going to the World Cup. Five in a row.”
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