Peru beat New Zealand, qualify for FIFA World Cup after 36-year wait

Peru ended their 36-year wait for a FIFA World Cup berth after overcoming New Zealand 2-0 in Wednesday's inter-confederation playoff.

The playoff tie between the fifth-placed CONMEBOL nation and the Oceania champions was evenly poised following Saturday's goalless draw in Wellington.

However, Peru proved too strong in front of a sea of red at Estadio Nacional thanks to veteran forward Jefferson Farfan and Christian Ramos, becoming the 32nd and final country to



book their ticket to Russia next year.

Farfan set the tone in the 28th minute - his 23rd international strike - unleashing an unstoppable volley straight through All Whites goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic.

And Peru sealed their return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1982 when center-back Christian Ramos bundled the ball home just past the hour-mark - granting the population a national holiday on Thursday as promised by the government.