Peru end 40-year wait for World Cup victory

Peru signed off their World Cup in fairytale fashion as captain Paolo Guerrero scored in a 2-0 win yesterday to end Australia’s hopes of making the knockout phase for only the second time in their history.

The 34-year-old, who had a 14-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine – which he maintains came from contaminated tea – temporarily lifted two weeks before the tournament, pounced just after half-time for his 36th international goal.

That doubled the lead given to them by Andre Carrillo’s superb first-half strike as the Socceroos, who along with fellow Group C teams France and Denmark signed a letter supporting Guerrero which assisted his reinstatement, exited the competition with their opponents.

Carrillo’s goal was Peru’s first at a World Cup since Guillermo la Rosa’s against Poland at Spain 1982 and put them on course for their first win at the tournament in 40 years.

With Australia needing to win and hope France could defeat Denmark, the Socceroos began on the front foot but were hit with a sucker punch after 18 minutes.

Trent Sainsbury failed to deal with a ball over the top, allowing Guerrero to collect on the left of the area and pull back a cross for Carrillo to hammer home a low volley inside the far post.

Celtic’s Tom Rogic was involved in Australia’s best chances of the half, first dribbling his way through a crowd of defenders only to be denied by the outstretched foot of goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Australia’s frustrations increased five minutes after the break when Guerrero hooked home his 36th international goal from Christian Cueva’s deflected through-ball.

Goals have been a problem for the Socceroos – their only two in Russia have been penalties – and they failed to threaten Gallese.

The defeat, ultimately, was academic as they needed France to beat Denmark and that finished goalless.

Paolo Guerrero celebrates his goal.