Welp, that’s that.
The Socceroos were officially knocked out of the 2018 Russia World Cup this morning, after a dispiriting 0-2 loss to Peru.
The Australians started the match with serious intent, but a series of incisive movements into the Peruvian half were blunted by the South Americans‘ physical defence.
Peru only needed to break Australia’s attacking momentum once to score. A lightning-quick counterattack and a lofted cross found André Carrillo, who fired a volley under the glove of Aussie shot-stopper Mat Ryan.
https://twitter.com/TheWorldGame/status/1011615175105863681
The score remained 0-1 heading into the second half. Another series of tantalising attacks, many sparked by Tom Rogic, instilled some hope in the Australian squad.
But it wasn’t enough to stop Paolo Guerrero, who capitalised on a dicey deflection from Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak to make it 0-2.
https://twitter.com/TheWorldGame/status/1011627706721554433
Talismanic striker Tim Cahill and lauded wunderkind Daniel Arzani came on for the Green and Gold, but their combined efforts still weren’t enough to overturn the massive deficit.
The result, which saw Peru notch its first-ever World Cup goals in 36 years, wasn’t enough to save them either. France and Denmark, the group’s other competitors, are both through to the Round of 16 after a tepid 0-0 draw.
It’s the end of an era for Australia, as Cahill surely put in his last shift on international duty. But perhaps it can be the start of another one, lead by the likes of Arzani. We’ll let you know when the next AFC Asian Cup rolls around.
