The last glimmer of hope of the Socceroos’ progressing to the second round of the 2018 World Cup was cruelly ended by the man Australia urged FIFA to allow to play in spite of a drug ban.
Australia’s road in Russia came to an abrupt halt at the last outpost of the Russian Federation, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Peru in Sochi.
It was a cruel end to an otherwise brave campaign after Australia played the South Americans off the park, only to be undone by a scintillating display from Peru’s captain, Paolo Guerrero and another contentious Video Assistant Referee incident.
The veteran striker scored one and set up another after being allowed to compete in Russia after FIFA overturned his cocaine ban following a noble request for clemency made by Australia’s captain, Mile Jedinak.
Guided by Guerrero Peru delivered the final knock-out blow to the Socceroos but Australia’s campaign was already on coming to an end.
A goalless draw between France and Denmark in the other Group C match meant whatever transpired at the Fisht Stadium would have no affect on the top two standings.
Australia dictated terms from the start from kick-off. Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic dictated the tempo with such fluidity and rhythm it appeared in sync with Peru’s “La Banda” in the stands while a flurry of half chances fell Australia’s way. And, that’s why it was all the more painful when the Socceroos’ were stunned against the run of play in the 18th minute.
Trent Sainsbury failed to clear a hopeful long ball to Guerrero and despite recovering to deny Peru’s captain, Sainsbury couldn’t prevent the delicate cross along the edge of the box floating into the path of Andre Carrillo.
Without a moment’s hesitation, the Watford winger unleashed a brilliant volley from distance that rendered Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan helpless as the Andean nation scored their first World Cup goal in 36 years.
It was a goal mired in controversy – some replay angles suggesting Guerrero may have been marginally offside while the VAR remained silent. It took the sting out of the permutations of progression but proved a mere hiccup to the tone of the game. Australia should have drawn level 10 minutes after conceded when Rogic took one man, then two more but made a poor choice to keep going it alone despite having a free Juric in tow, in front of goal.
Rogic lead Australia’s onslaught, Kruse combined well with Leckie but couldn’t find a breakthrough while Sainsbury came close with a late header in front of goal minutes before the break.
Whatever words of encouragement provided by coach Bert van Marwijk during the break were quickly forgotten. Five minutes after the restart, the man Jedinak urged FIFA to allow to play in the World Cup all-but ended Australia’s campaign.
Guerrero doubled his country’s tally after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box to pounce from close range and with the assistance of a deflection from Mark Milligan, Peru’s captain made it 2-0.
The Caucasus Mountains in the backdrop of the Fisht Stadium appeared easier to surpass than the two goal deficit and in facing that almighty obstacle, Van Marwijk turned to the Socceroos’ saviour. Replacing Juric, Tim Cahill was immediately injected into the contest to make his appearance in a fourth consecutive World Cup.
Prodigal talent, Daniel Arzani, joined him on the pitch shortly after, replacing Kruse and the attacking reshuffle almost coincided with a goal on the hour mark. From a corner, Aziz Behich fired a half volley that was deflected agonisingly wide.
Behich again should have sparked Australia’s comeback, his volley across the face of goal in the 71st minute was aimed at an unmarked Cahill in front of goal but his pass was over hit beyond the veteran striker’s path.
Australia’s hopes washed away after that. Their fluency was eroded by desperation and only valour kept them surging forward. Long balls were shot into the box for the forehead of Cahill but his cameo was to sadly end like a the reunion of an old rock band – nostalgia the only reward for the audience.
In the end, this show wasn’t about Australia. The sound of the final whistle was met with a raucous celebration from 32,000 long-suffering Peru fans in Sochi while 32 million joined them from home. Their valour from an impressive yet unlucky group stage finally rewarded with their first win since 1978.