Updated: 7:12am – The All Whites world cup dream is over after a 2-0 loss to Peru in their world cup qualifier in Lima.
Peru’s opening goal came in the 27th minute, with the home side having dominated possession throughout the half, when Jefferson Farfan nailed a shot from just inside the box, rifling it past New Zealand goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic.
The All Whites striker Kosta Barbarouses was denied a penalty in the opening minute of the match when he was pulled back by his shirt by a Peruvian defender but the referee refused his penalty plea.
New Zealand escaped having a penalty awarded against them midway through the half, when skipper Winston Reid handled the ball inside the penalty area but it was missed by the referee.
Peru had the chance to go 2-nil up with a couple of minutes to play in the first half when Marinovic parried a shot only for Peru to picked up the rebound and shoot again but they couldn’t get it passed the palm of Marinovic who palmed it up and regathered.
New Zealand’s best scoring chance in the first half came right on the break when skipper Winston Reid rose above the Peru defence only to header the ball from a corner over the bar.
Peru had 70 percent of possession in the first half with five shots on goal, while each side had two corners.
Coach Anthony Hudson went to his bench at halftime bring Burnley premier league striker Chris Wood and he immediately lifted the All Whites giving them much greater physical presence up front.
Wood went close with a header, which was saved and he was then hauled up for pushing a Peru defender.
Fifteen minutes into the second half the All Whites gained a free kick outside the box, which Ryan Thomas delivered well but it floated just wide of Winston Reid as he rose high.
Just as the All Whites looked to be creating scoring opportunities Peru turned the screws.
A seemingly innocuous Peru corner bobbled in to the box and with Christian Ramos picking up a loose ball slotting into the goal, putting the home side 2-nil up 25 minutes from full-time.
With nothing to lose New Zealand tried to go on the attack but even with three corners in succession at one point they were unable to get on the scoreboard.
South African based striker Jeremy Brockie replaced defender Andrew Durante as Hudson continued to try and get players forward.
Chris Wood went close in the dying minutes when he had a one on one with the keeper but his shot went wide.
Peru’s win means they qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 35 years.
-RNZ
Featured Image: Peru’s Jefferson Farfan celebrates after scoring against the All Whites in their second qualifying match, in Lima. Photo: AFP
