Peru top All Whites 2-0 in Lima to earn 2018 World Cup spot in Russia

  • 16/11/2017

Peru have ended 35 years of footballing exile to book a spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, topping the All Whites 2-0 in Lima.

The South American nation last played at the World Cup finals in 1982, ironically, the first time New Zealand qualified.

Jefferson Farfan eased the nerves of 40,000 fans inside the national stadium, when he thumped home from inside the box in the 25th minute.

The goal came after a long period of pressure from the homeside. Luis Advincula struck the post inside three-minutes to set the tone on a nervy opening for the All Whites, playing in black.

Meanwhile, Peru accurately moved the ball from side to side in front of a fanatical home crowd and rarely looked flustered.

Jefferson Farfan's first half goal sent Peru on their way.
Jefferson Farfan's first half goal sent Peru on their way. Photo credit: Getty
The Peruvian fans made for a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium.
The Peruvian fans made for a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. Photo credit: Getty
Anthony Hudson left Chris Wood on the bench for the second straight game.
Anthony Hudson left Chris Wood on the bench for the second straight game. Photo credit: Getty

Veteran forward Farfan buzzed about with intent, while midfielder Christian Cueva was an inspired presence between the lines.

New Zealand stopper Stefan Marinovic made several saves to keep the match and the tie scoreless, but he could do nothing about Farfan's thunderous strike.

Star striker Chris Wood again started the game on the bench, but with New Zealand needing a goal, coach Anthony Hudson turned to 25-year-old kingpin at halftime.

New Zealand tested the Peruvian defence on many occasions in the opening 15 minutes of the second stanza, Wood went close with a short-range header, but the referee pulled it back for a foul.

The turning point of the tie came in the 64th minute, when defender Christian Ramos crashed the ball home from a corner to set the stadium alight with joy.

Despite having more of the ball in the final half-hour, New Zealand couldn't crack the South Americans' solid defence and their World Cup dreams faded.

Peru top All Whites 2-0 in Lima to earn 2018 World Cup spot in Russia

Wood had a glorious chance in the 90th minute to pull a goal back, and make for a final few moments of heart palpitations for the Peruvians, but he fluffed his lines and the game was gone for New Zealand.

Los Incas will go to the World Cup in Russia joining fellow South American sides Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay - and have done so despite the absence of suspended captain Paolo Guerrero.

New Zealand will once again miss football's showpiece event.

Newshub.