June 26 (UPI) — Andre Carrillo scored the only goal of the first half, giving Peru an early lead against Australia at the World Cup Tuesday in Sochi, Russia.
The Peruvian midfielder smashed home a volley in the 18th minute of the Group C clash. Peru and Australia were locked in for a scoreless first half before Carrillo took initiative.
Peru striker Paolo Guerrero dribbled the ball down into the box on a breakaway to start the play. He cut back when he was about eight yards from the goal. Guerrero then deked a few defenders before chipping a pass toward the mouth of the box for an incoming Carrillo.
The midfielder didn’t wait for the ball to land. He ran up and smacked the ball with his right boot, sending it into the far post netting past Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan.
The goal was Peru’s first in a World Cup since 1982, its last appearance at the tournament — when the country failed to advance past the group stage. The Peruvians reached the second round at the 1978 World Cup and advanced to the quarterfinals at the 1970 World Cup.
Peru’s last goal at the tournament came on June 22, 1982, in a 5-1 loss to Poland. Guillermo La Rosa scored in the 83rd minute of that group stage setback in Madrid, Spain.
The Peruvians lost 1-0 to Denmark and 1-0 to France in their first two matches of the 2018 World Cup.
They had to wait 36 years, but Peru finally get their goal! :flag-pe::raised_hands:Carrillo hits it one time from distance to put them up 1-0 on Australia. pic.twitter.com/bkHoCiob7s— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2018
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