Sunderland defender Bailey Wright heading to the World Cup with Australia

Sunderland defender Bailey Wright is heading to the World Cup with Australia.
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Australia secured their fifth straight appearance at the World Cup finals by beating Peru on penalties in their qualifying play-off in Qatar.

Defender Wright – who is out of contract but has been offered new terms by Sunderland – was part of the squad that sealed their place.

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Goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was the Socceroos’ hero, saving Alex Valera’s spot-kick to clinch a 5-4 victory for his side after being introduced as a substitute at the end of a goalless 120 minutes in Al Rayyan.

Australia celebrate after defeating Peru in the 2022 FIFA World Cup play-off match between Australia Socceroos and Peru. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images).Australia celebrate after defeating Peru in the 2022 FIFA World Cup play-off match between Australia Socceroos and Peru. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images).
Australia celebrate after defeating Peru in the 2022 FIFA World Cup play-off match between Australia Socceroos and Peru. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images).

Australia’s Martin Boyle saw his opening penalty saved, but Peru’s Luis Advincula hit a post with his and, with the other nine all converted, Redmayne’s save from Valera’s effort proved decisive.

In a tense, finely balanced encounter, scoring chances were few and far between before Australia twice went closest to breaking the deadlock in the final five minutes of normal time.

Wing-back Aziz Behic’s shot from the edge of the area curled inches wide and three minutes later Ajdin Hrustic’s low first-time attempt was well saved by Pedro Gallese.

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Peru enjoyed their best spell at the start of the second period of extra time when Christian Cueva’s shot flashed wide before Edison Flores’ header hit a post with Australia goalkeeper Matty Ryan well beaten.

Australia will join defending champions France, Denmark and Tunisia in Group D at the 2022 finals.

The final World Cup place will be decided on Tuesday, when New Zealand play Costa Rica at the same venue.