The Socceroos have been eliminated from the 2018 World Cup after going down to Peru 2-0 in Sochi.
Needing a win to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the Round of 16 alive, Australia started brightly but went behind on 18 minutes after Andre Carrillo’s superb volley stunned Bert van Marwijk’s side.
Peruvian skipper Paolo Guerrero added a second for the South Americans just after half-time to knock the stuffing out of the Australians.
Group C
Australia: 0
Peru: 2 (Andre Carrillo 18’, Paolo Guerrero 50’)
Winger Andre Carrillo opened the scoring with a rasping volley to give Peru their first World Cup goal since 1982.
A dagger in the Socceroos' heart.
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 26, 2018
Andre Carrillo's goal for Peru.#AUSPER #OptusSport #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/dMZfBWcnSL
Replays suggested striker Paolo Guerrero was offside in the build up to the goal, but the referee opted not to go to the VAR.
Australia had their chances to equalise, with Tommy Rogic forcing a good save from Pedro Gallese after a typically mazy run.
Rogic was proving to be major threat in the final third as he opened up the Peru defence, finding the run of Robbie Kruse who’s cut back was somehow kept out by Peru with the ball going agonisingly wide.
The ball just wouldn’t go in for the Socceroos as they again lacked cutting edge and a killer instinct in the final third.
Another Australian chance shut down by some last-ditch defending... this time Mathew Leckie's denied.
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 26, 2018
Australia 0-1 Peru#AUSPER #OptusSport #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/7bfP91Ogqo
Captain Guerrero doubled the Peruvians lead just after the break after his shot took a deflection past the outstretched Maty Ryan in what was a cruel blow for the Australians.
The 34-year-old was initially banned from the World Cup after failing a drugs test, but successfully appealed the ban and came back to haunt the Socceroos with his maiden Cup goal.
Australia have it all to do.
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 26, 2018
Peru's captain Paolo Guerrero doubles the lead.
Australia 0-2 Peru#AUSPER #OptusSport #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/yONklfK3Ce
It was Peru’s first World Cup win since 1978 as Australia ended the tournament in last position in Group C with just the solitary point.
Today’s match will most likely be the last time we see Tim Cahill in a Socceroos shirt.