- Group C: Peru beat Australia 2-0
- Carrillo scores Peru’s first World Cup goal since 1982 finals
- After doping ban worries, captain Guerrero seals win
- Peru finish third in Group C, Australia fourth
A stunning Andre Carrillo volley gave Peru their first World Cup goal in 36 years before captain Paolo Guerrero grabbed a second as the Andean nation condemned Australia to a 2-0 defeat in Sochi on Tuesday and a regretful exit from Russia.
Guerrero set up Carrillo's 18th-minute wonder goal from the edge of the box with a delightful cross, then scored from a deflection five minutes after the interval to send Peru's red-and-white army of fans into ecstasy at the Fisht Stadium.
Although already eliminated, the South Americans head home on a high note, having grabbed their first World Cup win since their 4-1 defeat of Iran at the 1978 finals in Argentina.
"I can repeat we had greater expectations but if we look at how we played I think Peru emerges from the World Cup with its head high," Peru's Argentine coach Ricardo Gareca told reporters.
"That is the feeling I take away from this."
Denied a place at the global showpiece for 36 years, Peru finished third in Group C with three points, while the Socceroos head home with just one, but more than a few regrets.
France topped the group with seven points, with Denmark runners-up on five after the teams played out a dull 0-0 draw in Moscow.
Australia had needed to beat Peru and for France to defeat Denmark so the result was academic.
But Bert van Marwijk's side would have felt it a dreary case of deja vu, as his players surged forward in numbers but lacked the polish to conjure a score.
Captain Mile Jedinak blazed over the bar in the fifth minute while winger Mathew Leckie was denied in the goalmouth by a scrambling defence in the 36th.
Not even an early second half injection of talisman Tim Cahill could spark the Socceroos, their 38-year-old striker denied a goal in his World Cup swansong when he fired a volley straight into a Peru defender on the hour mark.
Australia have long yearned for a cutting edge up front but it was a defensive error that sent them on course for a stinging defeat.
With a long ball inadequately dealt with, Guerrero was allowed possession and space at the left of the area, and the captain sent a cross into the path of winger Carrillo who hammered the ball into the left corner of the net.
It was Peru's first World Cup goal since Guillermo La Rosa scored in a 5-1 defeat by Poland at the 1982 finals in Spain.
Peru won plenty of admiration for their battling defeats against France and Denmark, but leave Russia with a more valuable three points and the hope they will not have to wait another 36 years for their next World Cup appearance.
"Many people made the impossible trip to be here," said Carrillo. "I am happy to give them the victory. We are proud of them."
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