Qatar World Cup 2022 qualifier: Peru v Australia – As it happened
Updates from the Peru vs Australia World Cup qualification match that took place in Qatar.
- Australia qualify for the 2022 World Cup following 5-4 penalty shootout win over Peru.
- Australia have reached a fifth consecutive World Cup.
- Substitute goalkeeper Redmayne the hero for Australia with two key penalty saves.
- Luis Advincula and Alex Valera miss spot-kicks for Peru.
This blog is now closed. Thankyou for joining us on this epic journey that lasted 120 minutes and 10 penalty kicks.
It’s a wrap from us. Congratulations to Australia for reaching their fifth successive World Cup… much will be talked about in the morning of that tactical substitution to bring on Redmayne.
We will be back tomorrow for the final qualifying game between Costa Rica and New Zealand. Until then, it’s goodnight (or good morning, and a lovely morning it must be, in Australia).
You can read our match wrap here.
Heartbreak for Peru coach Ricardo Gareca
Since taking charge of Peru in 2015, Gareca rightfully earned widespread praise. The Argentinian earned the team a third place Copa America finish in 2015 before following that up with a runners-up finish in 2019 while also qualifying the nation for the 2018 World Cup.
Today’s result means that Peru will not be playing in back-to-back World Cups.
Aussie coach Graham Arnold pays tribute to penalty shootout hero Redmayne
Australian coach Arnold is clearly emotional in his post-match interview and understandably so. He came under scathing criticism due to Australia’s inconsistent performances since he became the team’s coach in 2018.
“Andrew Redmayne is a very good penalty saver, and to try to get him on the mental aspect while we were making that change, to add that bit of uncertainty in their brains, that was, yeah, that is the reason,” said Arnold in his post match interview.
Meanwhile Arnold has also reiterated that the criticism he has received has not bothered him.
“The doubters don’t bother me, it is these boys I care for, the game I care for. I do it for my family and I want to dedicate this one to my brother, Colin. When my parents died when I was young, I didn’t have anyone really to support. My older brother has been that my whole life, and he is No 1,” he added.
Substitute goalie Redmayne the hero for Australia
Australian coach Arnold made a big decision to replace Mat Ryan with Andrew Redmayne. It paid off as the substitute goalie made two key saves to see Australia home to a fifth consecutive World Cup in Qatar this November.
What elation for Australia and what heartbreak for Peru and their fans!
They were bigger and mightier in numbers but Australia’s substitute goal-keeper managed to get the loudest cheer of his side’s supporters at the final kick of the game.
Australia will be coming back to Qatar in November. Peru will be watching on tv.
Australia through to a fifth straight World Cup
Australia win 5-4 on penalties to clinch a spot at the World Cup in Qatar this November. The game ended in an entertaining 0-0 draw.
Penalty kicks
Australia❌ ⚽ ⚽ ⚽⚽ ⚽
120+5
Midnight and a spot in the World Cup approaching
It’s approaching midnight here in Qatar but nobody is prepared to leave the stadium… and understandably so.
There’s a place at the World Cup at stake and everyone wants to witness the moment it was sealed for their team. Plenty of nail-biting and nervousness awaits as the players regroup just before penalty kicks decide who comes back here in November – Faras Ghani at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
We're heading to penalties! @Socceroos 🇦🇺 v @SeleccionPeru 🇵🇪 will be decided by spot kicks.
⤵️ Watch it LIVE on FIFA+
*In selected regions, check your local listings
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 13, 2022
120 Mins
Surprise change
Australia replace Mat Ryan in goal with Andrew Redmayne. This is a big call from Australia coach Graham Arnold. It was definitely made with penalties in mind as Ryan showed no signs of injury.
Australia also brought on Goodwin for Behich.
115 Mins
Cueva cannot go on!
Moments after having hit a pass too strong and into the hands of Australian goalkeeper Ryan, Cueva is stretchered off the field and replaced by Alex Valera. This could be a blow for Peru as Cueva is likely to have been one of their penalty takers.
Both coaches now seriously need to think about who will be taking penalties.
110 Mins
Flores nearly wins it for Peru
Flores nearly won it twice for Peru. First he made a good run before rather unselfishingly playing in a cut-back towards Cueva whose shot was not on target. Lapadula felt he should have been picked out.
Then two minutes later, Flores meets a cross with his head. He beats Ryan but is unlucky to see his effort hit the post. Australia escape.
105 Mins
It’s 0-0 as the first period of extra time ends
The game still looks set for penalties but with both teams tiring, a single moment of brilliance could win it for either side. Get set, we will see shots in the second period of extra time.
Both sets of fans are understandably nervous.
Feels. pic.twitter.com/8sRavwpv2Y
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) June 13, 2022
100 Mins
Peru finally have their first shot on target
Peru finally had their first shot on target but the effort from Flores was too easy for Ryan who made a comfortable save.
In perhaps what was the closest to goal any team so far came, Behich nearly scored a stunner which would have given Australia the lead in the 84th minute.
Australia 0-0 Peru
95 Mins
Peru are more composed
The game looks set for penalties but Peru look to have more urgency in their attack. Cueva could have done better with his cross aimed towards Flores which was gathered by Ryan.
Australia made a reinforcement as Karacic was on for Atkinson.
90 Mins
Extra time is underway
As he did in the first half, Lapadula kicks off for Peru. Tense moments are ahead for both teams. One will be through to the World Cup soon.
Australia 0-0 Peru
90+3 Mins
It ends 0-0. We are set for extra time
There is nothing between the sides as we head into extra time. The score is a fair reflection of what transpired in the game. Peru’s play did not go according to plan as it was clearly Australia who had the better chances. Of Australia’s 10 shots, two were on target. None of Peru’s five shots have been on target. The Peruvians will have to put their scoring boots on in extra time or penalties if they want to prevail.
Australia 0-0 Peru
90 Mins
More excitement from the Australian support
Most of the Peruvian fans are on their feet… looking rather anxious. A sigh of relief after Australians are unable to convert a free-kick and extremely frustrated with Peru missing any close chances. More excitement now showing from the Australian fans as they come close to scoring.. definitely a more spring in the camp than in the first half – Usaid Siddiqui at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Both teams are now showing signs of fatigue as Australia came very close to taking the lead in the last 10 minutes. Australia look to inject some spark into their attack as Jamie Maclaren is on for Leckie.
There will be three minutes of stoppage time.
Australia 0-0 Peru
85 Mins
Peru fans are still going at it – loud and mighty
Australia fans, meanwhile, seem a bit subdued… perhaps overwhelmed by the loud and mighty Peru fans? Australia managed a shot which was JUST off target.. but that has seemed to spur on the Peru fans even more!
Australia 0-0 Peru
80 Mins
We have our first shot on target but it’s average
Hrustic goes for goal directly from a free-kick for Australia. His shot is weak and fails to cause any trouble for Gallese in goal for Peru.
Peru make their second change of the game as Sergio Pena is replaced Pedro Aquino.
There is very little time remainng and we will see a few nervous moments in the remaining time of this game.
Australia 0-0 Peru
75 Mins
Extra time looks probable
There are just over 15 minutes of normal time remaining. Neither side has so far shown significantly stronger attacking intent as compared to the first half. The Peru fans remain energetic and loud but we have yet to see our first shot on target or any clear cut chances.
Australia 0-0 Peru
70 Mins
Australia make a tactical change
Australia appealed for a penalty after claiming that Boyle’s cross was handled by a Peru defender. Play goes on. Meanwhile, the Australians also make their first change as Awer Mabil is on for Mitchell Duke. The move sees Lechie replacing Duke as Australia’s man up front.
Australia 0-0 Peru
65 Mins
Peru make the first change
Peru make their first change of the evening as DC United winger Edison Flores comes on, replacing André Carrillo who did not have the best of shifts. They will be hoping for Flores to inject some energy into their attack.
Australia 0-0 Peru
60 Mins
A Chilean who is rooting for Australia
Usaid is hunting down these fans thick and fast. Now he has an Australian fan Maria Jose who said she felt Australia was doing “pretty well” considering all the support for Peru in the stadium.
Asked if Australia will win, she said “absolutely”.
Jose, who is Chilean, said she is moving to Australia to be with her fiance in Melbourne and hence her support for the Socceroos.
Australia 0-0 Peru
55 Mins
Ryan to the rescue for Australia
Australian goalkeeper and captain Mat Ryan has to come out to make a vital save as Peña sends in a cross towards Gonzales. Ryan comes out as the Peru attacker failed to control the ball properly. Minutes earlier, Mooy dragged a shot wide of goal from about 20 yards out.
Australia 0-0 Peru
51 Mins
‘Nerve wrecking’- Peruvian praises Australia performance
Usaid speaks to Peru fan Anna Sonia Venatea who is “very nervous” as the Australians are defending “very well”.
“They know better… since the Peruvians are very quick with the ball,” the 51-year-old, who came with her family from Dubai for the game, said.
“It’s been so nerve-wrecking in the first half. There are so many Peruvians here all hoping the team wins. The Australians are so organised … if we lose I’ll be pretty depressed for a while.”
Austalia 0-0 Peru
45 Mins
We are back underway
One of the two teams could be 45 minutes away from securing a place in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar this November.
Australia 0-0 Peru
It was a disciplined first half
Atkinson of Australia was the only player to see yellow for a wild challenge on Cueva. Neither side can afford a red-card in this vital game.
Australia 0-0 Peru
Australian fan hopes “for the best”
Socceroos fan Charles Webb says it’s hard to tell who will win and is hoping for “the best”.
“Its a knockout game. Anything can happen. Both teams will give their best,” the 63-year-old, who lives in Qatar’s capital Doha, said.He added it feels like a “home game for the Peruvians”, pointing at the large number of fans from the South American nation.
“Win or lose, I am here for a good time. At least we made it this far. Italy is not even at the World Cup!”
Australia 0-0 Peru
No shots on target so far for either side
The game has been a physical one so far. From the Australian attackers, Boyle and Mooy are the only two who have threatened the Peru defence. Apart from that, the South Americans have effectively dealt with the threat of the opposition.
Peru have only had two shots with none on target. They will be hoping to improve upon this in the second half. Despite having 48% ball possession compared to Peru’s 52%, the Aussies have had six shots with none on target.
Australia will have to contain Advincula’s pace which will be vital to the Peruvian cause in the second half.
Australia 0-0 Peru
45+1 Mins
It’s square at half-time.
It’s even and was an entertaining opening 45 minutes. Both teams had their fair share of half-chances but will need to be more clinical in the final third during the second half.
41 Mins
Cooling technology doing its job
It really doesn’t feel like 32C (90F) inside the stadium… well, unless you’re one of the 22 players doing all the running around in the middle.
The organisers started installing the cooling technology when the World Cup was still scheduled for June and July. It will still be used in November and December and by the looks of things tonight, it will come in handy. – Faras Ghani at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Boyle once again shows some strong attacking movement, finding Irvine with a cross but the latter sends his headed effort wide. He wasted a good chance and he knows it.
Australia 0-0 Peru
36 Mins
Australia are content to sit back
Peru are playing from the back while Australia are sitting back. From all the Australian players, Martin Boyle looks the best so far as Gonzales comes out while he probes forward. Peru coach Gareca will be the more frustrated of the two tacticians as his side have not yet created any clear cut chances despite looking more composed on the ball.
Australia 0-0 Peru
31 Mins
‘Tonight we have to win’
Our man Usaid seems to be in a jolly mood with all the music and lovely football on show. Here’s an update from him:
“Oh Peruvians come on! Tonight we have to win.”
Thousands of Peruvian fans shout and sing loudly as they cheer their team on. The chants can be heard across the stadium from the Peru supporters every time their players touch the ball.
A collective groan when a scoring opportunity went abegging.
Australia 0-0 Peru
25 Mins
Peru look confident on the ball
Peru are finding their groove. Cueva went down in the penalty area following a duel with Irvine. The ref waves play on. Duke fouls Peña to give Peru a free-kick.
Australia 0-0 Peru
21 Mins
It’s even steven
Neither side is particularly dominating at this point. Both have created chances. As things stand, it looks like it will be a low scoring game with little margin for error. One moment of brilliance could be deciding factor.
Australia 0-0 Peru
16 Mins
Australia fans are “here for fun”
“We are keeping our fingers crossed [that Australia wins],” Andrew Lee, a fan from Australia, said.
“I don’t rate our chances but we have hope. Win or lose we are just here for some fun.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s key playmaker Mooy whips in a corner which Irvine who scored against the UAE meets with his head. He can’t direct his shot on target.
Australia 0-0 Peru
11 Mins
Yellow!
Birthday boy Nathaniel Atkinson gets the first yellow of the evening for a wild challenge. Peru fail to make the most from the free-kick chance.
Australia 0-0 Peru
6 Mins
A sea of red and white
The top tier is completely empty. The middle tier half empty. But the bottom tier, especially, across and behind the dugouts is literally a sea of red and white! Such is the support for Peru here at the stadium tonight in Qatar.
I’ll be surprised their own players are able to hear each other among the drums and trumpets – Faras Ghani at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Australia 0-0 Peru
1 Min
We are underway!
The game starts as Lapadula gets the ball rolling for Peru.
Australia 0-0 Peru
Get ready for action
We are nearly underway. For one nation, today will mark World Cup qualification. For the other, it will be heartbreak.
Only one can go to the World Cup 🏆
It all comes down to this.
Watch @Socceroos 🇦🇺 v @SeleccionPeru 🇵🇪 for FREE on FIFA+ ⤵️
*In selected regions, check your local listings— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 13, 2022
Kick off approaching
It’s five minutes before kick-off in this all-important, do-or-die, whatever you want to call it, game. Peru fans heavily outnumbering Australian fans. They are the ones making all the noise! A few yellow shirts darted around.. I can only imagine the noise levels if Peru score first – Faras Ghani at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Peruvians from US ‘confident’ about victory
Usaid has been speaking to some Peruvians fans who have travelled from the US: Noe Castilla from Washington, DC says he is “confident” Peru will beat Australia to qualify for the World Cup.
“We have come all the way here for Peru. We our football crazy in our country. It’s a passion,” said Castilla, who arrived in Qatar with his two friends from DC after a nearly 24-hour flight.
“If we win, we will come back for sure.”
Aussie soccer greats send their well wishes
Sam Kerr and Tim Cahill, arguably the two greatest Australian soccer players in modern history have sent in their well wishes.
Good luck boys @Socceroos 💚💛 give it all you’ve got. We are all behind you!
— Sam Kerr (@samkerr1) June 13, 2022
A chance to create history again tonight for Australia. Best of luck to all the players and staff 🇦🇺 Road to Qatar 2022 pic.twitter.com/tIs9P9mSnC
— Tim Cahill AO (@Tim_Cahill) June 13, 2022
Australia coach Arnold has a good record in penalties
Should the game end in a draw after extra time, penalties are on the cards.
Interestingly, Australia coach Graham Arnold was present at both of the Socceroos competitive shoot-outs.
He was assistant coach to Guus Hiddink when Australia overcame Uruguay on penalties to reach the 2006 World Cup. He was also in charge when Australia beat Uzbekistan 4-2 on penalties in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Round of 16.
Australia opt for the tried and tested
The Socceroos have made just one change from their side that beat the United Arab Emirates 2-1 and it’s a surprise one as Mitchell Duke has come in to replace Craig Goodwin.
Meanwhile, the Aussie Prime Minister has sent his well wishes to the Socceroos.
Good luck to @matyryan and the @socceroos as they take on Peru for a spot in the World Cup early tomorrow morning. All of Australia will be #AllForTheSocceroos
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) June 13, 2022
88-year in Qatar to cheer for Peru
Our man Usaid Siddiqui has been speaking to an 88-year-old Peru fan who happens to be at the stadium for tonight’s match. Here’s what he gathered:
Blanca Rezza, an 88-year-old from Lima, Peru, is at the Ahmad bin Ali stadium and “praying for victory” for the national team.
“I am very excited and really happy to be here. It is so great to see many Peruvians here in Doha. When I see the national team I think I will cry a lot.”
Huge Peru support here at the stadium with an hour until kick-off. A handful of Australian supporters trying to make their presence felt.
It’s getting warmed up (literally)
The stadium has cooling technology installed so we’re feeling the cool breeze around us (and so will the players) but outside temperature is around 33C (92F) – Faras Ghani at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
Lineups
Australia: Ryan, Atkinson, Boyle, Leckie, Wright, Hrustic, Mooy, Duke, Behich, Rowles, Irvine
Peru: Gallese, Advincula, Zambrano, Callens, Trauco, Tapia, Peña, Gonzales, Carrillo, Cueva, Lapadula
All aboard the Qatar Express (almost)
We’re at the home straight: 30 out of the 32 teams have qualified for Qatar 2022, and it’s down to the last four who will battle it out for the two remaining slots at the World Cup that starts November 21.
Last call for #Qatar2022. Who will take the final two spots?
🇳🇿 🇦🇺 🇨🇷 🇵🇪 pic.twitter.com/fDBhKvw2MU
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 12, 2022
Public holiday in Peru
A public holiday has been announced by the Peruvian government on Monday, anticipating that much of the country will be keenly following the game that kicks off at 1pm Peru time.
I’m guessing a few will call in sick tomorrow if Peru does make it to the World Cup.
‘Match of our lives’
Australia are not at the level they used to be, and this gives Peru an advantage, concedes Australian football legend Mark Schwarzer.
“We are up against it and I think we are underdogs. It’s going to be one hell of a battle but we are not kicking ourselves. We are not at the levels we used to be,” Schwarzer told Optus Sport.
Peru’s captain Pedro Gallese has termed this the “match of our lives” as his team goes into this game having been the winners the only time the two sides met previously – a 2-0 win at Russia 2018.
Read our match preview here.