PERU make history as they qualify for a World Cup for the first time since 1982.
And they showed they are not just here to make up the numbers with an impressive performance against New Zealand.
The hosts knocked the ball about well in the first half, and showed just why they finish above back-to-back South American champions Chile in qualification. Peru were in complete control in the early stages and their pressure eventually told as national icon Jefferson Farfan opened the scoring on 27 minutes when he rifled home from the edge of the box.
Winger Christian Cueva made an excellent run down the left-hand side and showed fantastic compsure to find the Lokomotiv Moscow striker. And Farfan demonstrated the country's unity as he celebrated by holding up suspended Paolo Guerrero's No 9 shirt. That was the former PSV Eindhoven ace's first goal for Peru since 2015.
The South Americans continued to dominate and would have gone 2-0 ahead but for a sensational double save from New Zealand goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic. He had to get down low to keep out Miguel Trauco’s effort and Farfan was immediately on him to loop the ball over the stricken stopper.
Yet, amazingly, he managed to stretch out a hand and keep, not only the ball out, but New Zealand in World Cup contention. Chris Woods' introduction in the second half appeared to spark the visitors the into life as he helped create a bit of nerves in the Peru box. But, during New Zealand's best spell, the hosts broke and were again denied by another save, as he put the ball out for a corner to prevent an own goal. And, from the resulting set-piece, Christian Ramos put the tie to bed when we finished off after a goal mouth scramble. The result caps off a wonderful story for Peru's Argentinian boss Ricardo Gareca.
He scored a late equaliser against Peru to send his home country to the 1986 World Cup at their expense. However, he was left out of the 22-man squad by Carlos Bilardo, with Diego Maradona and Co. famously going on to win the famous trophy in Mexico.
From The Sun
No comments:
Post a Comment