SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Back at the World Cup for the first time since 1982, Peru isn't leaving Russia empty handed.
The Peruvians failed to score a goal in their opening two matches, but the team finally gave its fans a reason to celebrate when it ended Australia's hopes of advancing to the knockout round with a 2-0 victory on Tuesday.
Andre Carrillo's 18th-minute goal — a half-volley from inside the area — was Peru's first in a World Cup since its last appearance 36 years ago. Peru hadn't won a World Cup match since defeating Iran in 1978.
"This triumph is for our people and for Jefferson (Farfan)," Guerrero said of his teammate who missed the match after being hospitalized with a head injury sustained in practice last weekend. "We showed that Peru can play as equal to anyone."
Australia's best chance to score came in the 27th minute when Tom Rogic made a run through the Peru defense and had his shot saved by goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Peru almost added its third goal when Edison Flores' shot hit the post following a fast breakaway.
Australia leaves consoled by decent performances even though it didn't get the points to show for it. It played relatively well in the opener against the French and had chances to get more than a draw against Denmark.
The team also scored in a 5-1 loss to Poland that year. It's last World Cup victory was a 4-1 result against Iran in the first round of the 1978 tournament in Argentina.
Scoring hasn't been easy for Australia at World Cups recently, with its last three goals in the tournament coming from penalty kicks, including two from captain Mile Jedinak in Russia.