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Socceroos doing better than their last meeting
It’s still very early in this match but the Socceroos are fairing much better against Peru than their only other meeting, four years ago in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The South Americans were brilliant that day, beating Australia 2-0 in Sochi, consigning the Socceroos to a bottom-placed finish in the group. For those wanting to brush up on that, here’s Michael Lynch’s analysis of that match.
Promising signs from the Socceroos
Another promising sign from the Socceroos with the combination of Ajdin Hrustic and Martin Boyle causing problems for Peru’s back line.
Martin Boyle has been among those causing early headaches for the Peruvian defence.Credit:AP
Hrustic’s clever ball found Boyle out wide and the Scottish-born winger beat his marker to fire a dangerous cross into Mitch Duke. Unfortunately, the striker couldn’t get on the end of that ball to apply a finish that would have certainly open the deadlock.
Irvine comes close from a corner
The Socceroos have struggled to get meaningful possession into their forward line with the Peruvian’s doing a fantastic job stifling the Socceroos’ front three, blocking all passing channels into them. It’s forcing more long-balls than Australia would normally play but one led to a corner out of nothing.
Aaron Mooy’s delivery was perfect, finding the head of his midfield partner Jackson Irvine but he can’t keep his header under the crossbar. Another warning of Australia’s potency from set pieces.
17th min: 0-0
Atkinson goes into the book
This match has begun in stark contrast to Australia’s win over the UAE last week with the tempo high immediately from kick-off. If anything, it’s the Socceroos the more willing to it back and sit deep to contain the pace of the Peruvians.
The South Americans are also enjoying the advantage of a home crowd with the majority of fans inside Doha draped in red and white. They’re making a lot of noise and there’s a huge cheer as Nathaniel Atkinson goes into the box for a clumsy, late challenge on Christian Cueva.
Duke fires the first shot
4th min: Striker Mitch Duke gets the first chance of the match, firing a shot from distance that but it was never close to concerning the Peruvians. A powerful effort was more a warning shot than anything but else but encouraging from Australia.
Mitch Duke had the first chance for the Socceroos against Peru in Doha.Credit:Getty
What wasn’t, however, was their defending moments later. Gianluca Lapadula of Peru beat defender Kye Rowles at the near post, flashing a header from the near post over the bar. A bit of a let-off for the Socceroos.
Score: 0-0
Teams are out on the pitch
Mat Ryan leads the Socceroos out against Peru.Credit:Getty
The teams are out on the pitch with Peru in their away red kit, an inverse of their famous, traditional sash home kit. The Socceroos are in their home kit of green and gold in what’s been their home away from home this campaign, Doha.
We’ve had the anthems and kick-off is imminent.
Arnold keeps faith in Atkinson
The decision to keep Nathaniel Aktinson is a major talking point with Arnold keeping faith in the young fullback despite a less than impressive performance against the UAE last week. The right back was beaten regularly by UAE winger Hartib AL-Maazmi but Arnold has resisted replacing him with the more experienced Fran Karacic.
Full strength Peruvian side
No major surprises for Peru with big guns Lapadula, Cueva, Carillo and Tapia all named to start. Midfielder Yosimar Yotun is the only notable absence for Peru, he’s out with an injury.
For those wanting to know a little bit of the background about this Peru side and how they’ve reached the play-off ahead of the more fancied Chile and Colombia, here’s a bit of an insight into the side that stands in the way of Australia and a fifth-consecutive World Cup.
Of all the reasons Australia should fear Peru, it’s because they are the team we wish we were. Read More.
Duke in for Goodwin
There’s just one change made by Socceroos coach Graham Arnold from the side that beat the UAE on Wednesday morning with striker Mitch Duke replacing winger Craig Goodwin. That change will likely see Mat Leckie returning to his regular position out on the wing while experienced defender Trent Sainsbury hasn’t been risked given his minor knee injury.
Good morning
Hello and good morning to the live blog for the Socceroos’ World Cup play-off against Peru. It’s a do-or-die, winner takes all match to reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with the Socceroos, Asia’s fifth-best team against the fifth team of South America.
The match is a one-off, single leg clash in the neutral venue of Doha where extra time and penalties be used if required.
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