Australia 0-2 Peru
It was now or never for the Socceroos in Russia.
In fairness, World Cup 2018 was always going to be a tough nut to crack.
Given they were placed in Group C with strongly fancied France and an exciting Danish side, few World Cup 2018 predictions expected them to progress.
Yet after being unfortunate to go down to a deflected goal to France and then holding the Danes, victory against Peru would have given them a chance.
Alas, it wasn’t to be.
Highlights of the game
Perhaps it was clear that whatever happened in the Fisht Olympic Stadium, it wasn’t going to be Australia’s day.
As well as needing to win themselves, they needed France to do them a favour and beat Denmark and the team news from Moscow – if they were ever told it – must have been deflating.
France not only made six changes but left out the likes of skipper Hugo Lloris, Paul Pogba and KylianMbappe which suggested already qualified Les Bleus would not be at full strength.
Yet stranger things have happened than the scenario facing Bert van Marwijk and his side.
Indeed, the Dutch coach was understandably hopeful.
But, ultimately, the lack of a clinical frontman was to prove costly for both nations over the course of the competition.
Skipper Paolo Guerrero greeted his Australia counterpart Mile Jedinak warmly before kick-off as a thank you for his support which allowed him to play in this tournament.
Of course, it’s widely known there was a special appeal to allow him to play after a 14-month ban was imposed on the 34 year-old after testing positive for a cocaine by-product.
On an afternoon of passion, the closeness between the two nations was heartening to see, although whether they still felt that after Guerrero sealed a victory for already eliminated Peru remains to be seen.
As Aussie frustration in Sochi grew, so Guerrero clipped home a neat poachers finish to seal the victory just five minutes after the restart.
From a Guerrero ball, an 18th minute volley from Andre Carrillo had earlier sent Peruvians into dreamland.
No wonder they celebrated in such rapturous fashion. It was their first goal at a World Cup since a consolation in a 5-1 defeat to Poland in 1982.
It was also their first success at a World Cup for 40 years and 15 days, since beating Iran 4-1 in 1978.
Before kick-off some Peru players seemed close to tears as they sang their national anthem and long before the end, the tears were flowing in the stands as it became clear Peru had sealed a first World Cup win for a generation.
As World Cup 2018 highlights go, this was Peru’s day and a day to forget for Australia.
In fact, the romantics among Sbobet followers would love to have seen substitute Tim Cahill become just the fifth player to score at four different World Cups in what was surely his international swansong.
As it turned out, the goalless draw between France and Denmark meant this result was immaterial but it was still a result which will spark questions ‘down under’,while Peru will be remembered for contributing greatly to Russia 2018, on and off the pitch.
More than 40,000 Peruvians travelled to Russia– this was their moment.
Key statistics
This was Peru’s first World Cup victory in nine World Cup matches, previously drawing twice and losing six.
Australia have now lost five of their last six World Cup matches.
Australia have picked up just one point and scored just one goal against South American teams in four matches in the World Cup group stages.
This was the first time Peru had faced a side from Oceania in a World Cup. They did, however, defeat New Zealand in a qualification play-off to get to this stage.
Australia have kept just one clean sheet in their 16 previous World Cup games. The last one was during a goalless draw against Chile in 1974.
Australia’s last three World Cup goals have all come from the penalty spot.
What’s next?
Peru are heading home to South America with a winning feeling and can look ahead to high profile September friendlies against Holland and Germany.
After a competition which briefly threatened to be successful, the AFC Asian Cup is the next focus for Australia with Autumn matches lined up against Jordan and Palestine.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE WORLD CUP 2018 STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
