Andrew Redmayne said he was not “any hero”, but the Internet thought differently after the goalkeeper’s limb crosses gave the Socceroos a famous victory in the penalty shootout and threw a thousand memes.
The Australian goalkeeper channeled his inner pop to the goal line in the World Cup qualifier for the World Cup victory or defeat on Tuesday against Peru before making the decisive stop to send the Socceroos to its fifth consecutive World Cup.
Like it or not, Redmayne’s salvation by denying Alex Valera instantly elevated him to national hero status, placing him on the same high ranks as Cathy Freeman, Don Bradman, Kylie Minogue. and Alf Stewart. It was unclear whether the calls for a statue to be made were idiots.
But it was the tactic he employed while the Peruvian players waited to execute their penalties that aroused great interest during and after the turn.
While it’s not uncommon for goalkeepers to move along his line in an effort to deter the penalty, Redmayne’s range of motion is remarkable and has earned him the nickname “the Pink / Gray Wiggle,” a reference to the color his goalkeeper shirt and popular music band.
However, the Peruvian team should not have been surprised: Redmayne is known for his pre-penalty maneuvers and used them to good effect in the men’s A-League Grand Final two years ago.
Some compared their gelatinous movements of their arms and legs as they moved up and down the goal line with more appropriate movements for a dance floor.
Redmayne had only been introduced from the substitute’s bench in the final moments of overtime, replacing captain Mat Ryan specifically with the penalty shootout in mind, for his first appearance with a Socceroos shirt this qualifying campaign.
The Arnie era of the Socceroos will live or die at the hands of Andrew Redmayne, either way an amazing way to end this classification process.
– Nick Stoll (@NickStoll) June 13, 2022
Andrew Redmayne about to get free combs for life. Vinga Gray Wiggle
– Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) June 13, 2022
His exploits were instantly labeled “iconic” on Twitter as he entered Australian legend alongside other greats of sport and entertainment.
Andrew Redmayne has just been as iconic as Cathy Freeman, Mark Shwarzer and Don Bradman.
Five minutes ago he had never played a qualifier. He will now probably sign all trade agreements with AUS this summer.
This is the most beautiful stupid sport in the world.
– Eli (@ElMengem) June 13, 2022
Despite the high praise, Redmayne remained humble at the time, minimizing his influence on the result as he paid tribute to his teammates, who will be playing the tournament in Qatar later this year in groups with France, Denmark and Tunisia.
“I’m not a hero, I just played my part, like everyone else tonight”
Socceroos goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne reflects on the heroism that led Australia to their fifth consecutive World Cup #AUSvPER pic.twitter.com/JOGPFeiZZz
– 10 Football (@ 10FootballAU) June 13, 2022 Footballers win the penalty shootout to qualify for the World Cup final – video