Peru sign off in style
Peru score first World Cup goal since Spain 1982
Australia eliminated from Russia 2018
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Yet to find the net at this FIFA World Cup™, Peru finally struck when it mattered least to see off Australia 2-0 in their last Group C encounter. Already eliminated, Los Incas set about their task with calmness and patience before breaking the deadlock with their first chance on 18 minutes, Andre Carrillo volleying a splendid effort inside the far post from a cross. It was a wonderful finish and a memorable moment, sparking joy among the sea of Peru supporters decked out in red.
For Australia, that early goal was a damaging blow to their hopes of clinching a spot in the last 16. The Socceroos needed a victory combined with a France win against Denmark to advance, but the situation in the other game began to matter far less after Paolo Guerrero doubled the deficit five minutes after the break, adding to his assist for the opener.
Although Tim Cahill came on for his first taste of action in three games, Australia remained short of ideas. Instead, Peru maintained their dominance to soften the blow of their early exit, the South Americans putting in another impressive performance – and this time ending with the goals to show for it.
Team Reporter Analysis Sarah Widera with Australia [Follow: Twitter] It may be something of a cliché, but Australia can travel home from this World Cup with their heads held high. Their elimination will be heartbreaking for their fans, who had hoped for better things following some positive displays in Russia – including against Peru, whom they pressed hard without success. All that remains is the memory of seeing veteran forward Tim Cahill and youngster Daniel Arzani on the same pitch for the first and surely final time.
Gilda Arrua with Peru [Follow: Twitter] With the pressure off, Peru played with more freedom and intelligence than in their first two matches. They performed well once again, but this time were able to get themselves on the scoreboard while staying tight at the back. This win will help them build for the future.
Budweiser Man of the Match Scorer of the excellent volley that gave his team the lead, Carillo supplied the kind of finishing touch that Peru had been lacking on Russian soil. He provided a constant threat to the Australian defence thanks to his pace and precision.
The stat 205 – Carrillo became the first Peru player to score at a World Cup in 36 years. He ended a barren run of 205 minutes since Guillermo la Rosa struck in a 5-1 loss to Poland in La Coruna during Spain 1982.
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