Peru haven’t qualified for the World Cup since 1982. Now, they will have a chance to play their way into Russia 2018 after qualifying for a playoff spot vs New Zealand. The hero for the Peruvians? Their captain and all-time leading goalscorer Paolo Guerrero. In the 76th minute the 33-year-old ripped a free-kick from 23 yards out and the Estadio Nacional de Lima let out a cry heard across South America.
GOLAZO : Paolo Guerrero keeps things interesting in Lima with an unstoppable free kick that pulls @SeleccionPeru level. 1-1 pic.twitter.com/Rz3wppeFyC
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) October 11, 2017
The roar was heard across Chile as well. The Chileans lost to Brazil 3-0 and needed Colombia to beat Peru to secure their place in Russia. It will be a long summer with Atom and Humber for Alexis Sanchez.
Peru will face New Zealand during the week of November 6th-14th during the international break.