Socceroos hero's antics divide football world: 'Dancing goalie'

Socceroos goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne etched his name into Australian football folklore with his penalty shootout heroics against Peru, but many fans around the world were divided over his antics.

In the most dramatic World Cup qualification campaign, and after 1,008 days, Australia secured their spot in football's showpiece event after a penalty shootout win against Peru in Doha, Qatar.

WHAT A HIT: Football fans erupt over Aussie's 'greatest goal ever'

'SO CRUEL': Football world left devastated after Ukraine drama

The game was locked at 0-0 heading to penalties when coach Graham Arnold made the brave call to sub on substitute keeper Andrew Redmayne for captain Mat Ryan.

And in scenes reminiscent of Australia and Uruguay, the Sydney FC keeper became a national hero as he saved two penalties to book a ticket to the World Cup.

However, while Australia spiralled into raptures after Redmayne's brilliance, the rest of the world was divided over the keeper's antics.

In one of the most animated tactics seen in a penalty shootout, Redmayne bounced from post to post as the Peru spot kick takers lined-up for their shot.

Goalkeepers using mind games ahead of a penalty isn't unusual, but the dramatic way Redmayne was bouncing around with his legs and arms in the air drew both criticism and praise from football fans.

Some argued the tactics made the goalkeeper look silly, which resembled 'dancing'.

While others argued if penalty takers are allowed to stutter and change their run-up, keepers should be afforded the same leniency.

Many just enjoyed a laugh at Redmayne's tactics in the high-pressure situation, which saw him labelled as the 'grey wiggle'.

Regardless, it was Redmayne who had the last dance having been subbed on for just his third appearance in the green and gold to send Australia to the World Cup.

Australia qualify for World Cup in Qatar

Following the match, coach Arnold explained the reason for the bold move to send Redmayne on with just one minute to go.

“I’m just... So proud of the players, you know? No one knows what those boys have been through to get to hear," coach Graham Arnold told Channel 10 after the game.

"It was so hard, the whole campaign, and the way they’ve stuck at it and committed themselves to it, incredible.

“Andrew Redmayne is a very good penalty saver, and to try to get him on the mental aspect while we were making that change, to add that bit of uncertainty in their brains, that was, yeah, that is the reason.”

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.