Peru end 36-year wait, book ticket to Russia
LIMA: Peru ended their 36-year wait for a FIFA WorldCup berth after overcoming New Zealand 2-0 in Wednesday’s inter-confederation play-off.
Peru proved too strong in front of a sea of red at Esta di oN ac ion al, thanks to veteran forward Jefferson Far fan and Christian Ram os.
Farfan set the tone in the 28th minute, unleashing an unstoppable volley straight through All Whites goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic. Peru sealed their return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1982 when centre- back Christian Ram os bundled the ball home just past the hour-mark – granting the population a national holiday on Thursday as promised by the government.
Played in front of a deafening atmosphere in Lima, Peru stormed out of the blocks and controlled proceedings from the outset. Luis Adv inc ula almost opened the scoring in the third minute, cutting inside from the right-hand side and rattling the crossbar with a ferocious effort.
The game continued to be played in New Zealand’s half as the visitors put up a spirited rearguard effort, but the All Whites eventually succumbed to Peru’s pressure approaching the halfhour mark.
Christian Cue va created space to beat New Zealand captain Winston Reid before squaring the ball to Farfan, who took a touch and volleyed home – sparking wild celebrations. It could have been 2-0 at half-time after Marinovic fumbled a Miguel Tr au co shot but here covered and managed to juggle the ball away from Far fan.
Any hopes the Kiwis had of progressing were dashed in the 65th minute when Ramos made his way up for a corner and net ted Peru’ s second goal after New Zealand failed to clear as Ricardo Gareca’s men celebrated wildly on the sidelines.
FORGARCEA,BETTER LATETHANNEVER
Peru coach Ricardo Gareca will finally make it to the World Cup after he was denied a place as a player in Argentina’s squad for the 1986 edition in Mexico, having coincidentally scored the goal against Peru which helped his team qualify. The man nicknamed ‘The Tiger’ can look forward to Russia, with a team he has patiently built.
“Mission accomplished, thank you,” Gareca said after Peru defeated New Zealand .“We have managed something very important for the country. I am very emotional.”
Gareca was a forward who made 20 appearances for Argentina.
The 59-year-old coach has played for various Argentine clubs and has also coached Brazilian club Palmeiras before taking over the Peru job in 2015.