Peru bow out with a bang, including a goal from Paolo Guerrero, as Australia also go home from the World Cup.
The Socceroos were still within reach of Denmark going into the final group games, but Peru were already eliminated after two defeats and had Renato Tapia back from injury.
Despite their situation, Peru took the lead after just 18 minutes with Andre Carrillo’s spectacular half-volley from just inside the penalty area. It was their first goal of the tournament and their first in a World Cup since the 5-1 defeat to Poland in 1982.
Peru bow out with a bang, including a goal from Paolo Guerrero, as Australia also go home from the World Cup.
The Socceroos were still within reach of Denmark going into the final group games, but Peru were already eliminated after two defeats and had Renato Tapia back from injury.
Despite their situation, Peru took the lead after just 18 minutes with Andre Carrillo’s spectacular half-volley from just inside the penalty area. It was their first goal of the tournament and their first in a World Cup since the 5-1 defeat to Poland in 1982.
The Aussies fought back immediately, Tom Rogic and Mathew Leckie denied by desperate defending, but Paolo Guerrero fired in with the aid of a slight deflection. The talisman had originally been ruled out of the World Cup by a doping ban that he is currently appealing, so was only allowed to participate thanks to letters of support from the other teams in the group.
Veteran Tim Cahill came off the bench and thought he’d find the net, but Aziz Behich failed to provide the right assist.
Peru rattled the woodwork too late on, but the offside flag was up anyway, and Guerrero wasted a counter-attack. Denmark drew 0-0 with France, so Australia had no chance of qualifying anyway.
Australia 0-2 Peru
Carrillo 18 (P), Guerrero 50 (P)
Australia: Ryan; Risdon, Sainsbury, Milligan, Behich; Jedinak, Mooy; Leckie, Rogic (Irvine 72), Kruse (Arzani 58); Juric (Cahill 53)
Peru: Gallese; Advincula, Ramos, Santamaria, Trauco; Tapia (Hurtado 63), Yotun; Carrillo (Cartagena 79), Cueva, Flores; Guerrero
Ref: Karasev (RUS)