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World Cup 2018: Australia vs Peru, live coverage of Group C match in Sochi

Socceroos fall 2-0 to Peru, but even victory wouldn’t have been enough to advance as France, Denmark draw 0-0.

Ray Gatt
27 min read
2:36AMJune 27, 2018.
Updated 3:04PMJune 28, 2018
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Andre Carrillo of Peru smashes a first time volley past Australian keeper Mat Ryan to give his team a 1-0 lead. Photo: Getty Images
Andre Carrillo of Peru smashes a first time volley past Australian keeper Mat Ryan to give his team a 1-0 lead. Photo: Getty Images

Australia is out of the World Cup after losing 2-0 to Peru at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi. Russia and Denmark advance from Group C after a 0-0 draw in Moscow. Here’s how the match unfolded.

Ray Gatt 1.53am: FULLTIME — Australia 0-2 Peru

And there it is. It is full time and Australia’s World Cup is over.

A goal in each half has given Peru a 2-0 win over the Socceroos who finish bottom of Group C with a single point from their three games.

They tried hard and played well in patches but their ineptness in front of goal has cost them dearly in all three games.

It was all academic anyway as Denmark, who only needed a draw to qualify in second spot, drew 0-0 with France in the other Group C game.

It’s a sad ending for the Socceroos and especially for the legend Tim Cahill, who came on for the last 30 minutes and caused some problems for Peru in a typically wholehearted performance.

Cahill has played his last game for Australia after a stellar career. Australia salutes you, Tim Cahill.

For the rest, there are valuable lessons to be learned. At this level you need a quality no.9, someone who can take their chances. If you don’t you will get punished.

To go through the toournament without scoring a goal in open play pretty well sums it up.

Now the wheel is handed over to Graham Arnold, who takes over for Bert van Marwijk. His test will come in the Asian Cup in January.

Ray Gatt 1.44am: Clock running down for Aussies

Daniel Arzani draws a foul in a dangerous position.

Mile Jedinak stands over the ball and will have a crack but puts it over the bar.

So the equation is this: Australia needs to find three goals in six minutes and France to beat Denmark. Miracles are not going to happen tonight I’m afraid.

We are into the 86th minute. It is still 2-0 Peru and 0-0 Denmark v France.

AUSTRALIA 0-2 PERU

Ray Gatt 1.32am: Another chance amounts to nothing

Once again Australia create a half chance. Tom Rogic finds Aziz Behich alone on the left. He had a great chance to put it on a platter for the unmarked Tim Cahill, but it is too far ahead of him and goes for a goalkick.

Meanwhile Bert van Marwijk makes his final change with Jackson Irvine replacing Rogic, who has been excellent.

Australia doing it tough at the moment. They need to find three goals in 19 minutes and then they still need France to beat Denmark.

AUSTRALIA 0-2 PERU

Ray Gatt 1.28am: Frustration shows for Aussies

Now Tom Rogic gets a yellow card as frustration starts to creep into the Socceroos game. They are trying very hard but nothing is coming off for them at this stage. Still, one goal can change the whole complex of this game.

Daniel Arzani tries his luck from just outside the box but the ball sails harmlessly over the bar. Good on him for have a dig. He certainly doesn’t lack confidence.

Meanwhile Tim Cahill is again involved, winning a header in the box and putting into the path of Mathew Leckie but it is cleared for a corner by Peru.

Australia needs more of that as their World Cup is slipping away.

Still 0-0 in the other game between France and Denmark with 70 minutes gone.

AUSTRALIA 0-2 PERU

Ray Gatt 1.25am: van Marwijk must roll dice

Peru make their second change while Bert van Marwijk has one more up his sleeve.

It might be time for something drastic from the Dutchman. Bring on another attacker in Jamie Maclaren, go to two strikers up front and take a defender off.

With 27 minutes to go there is nothing to lose, he has to roll the dice sooner or later.

However, it could all prove academic as Denmark, who only need a draw, are holding on for dear life against France. That score is still 0-0.

AUSTRALIA 0-2 PERU

Ray Gatt 1.20am: Cahill causing problems

Corner from the right. Tim Cahill flicks it on for Aziz Behich whose shot is blocked away for a corner. The ball is whipped in again.

Cahill is making Peru nervous. There’s confusion in their penalty area as Cahill’s shot is blocked.

Peru then break away and Daniel Arzani is forced to make a cynical tackle and is yellow carded.

AUSTRALIA 0-2 PERU

Ray Gatt 1.17am: Arzani joins Cahill on field

The Socceroos get a free kick on the right and on the edge of the box but Aaron Mooy’s attempt to cross is cleared for a corner on the right.

But Peru clear for a throw in.

There are a lot of glum Australia faces in the crowd at the moment. The Peruvian fans are in over-drive. There’s 58 minutes gone. Peru 2-0.

Now Daniel Arzani comes on for Robbie Kruse.

Denmark and France are still locked at 0-0.

AUSTRALIA 0-2 PERU

Ray Gatt 1.12am: Cahill finally takes field

Australia almost hit back as Aaron Mooy swings in a corner from the left. Mile Jedinak climbs high to get his head to it, but the keeper pulls off a good save.

And now the changes come.

Tim Cahill joins an illustrious group, coming on the field to play in his fourth finals. He replaces Tomi Juric. But is it too little too late?

Cahill won’t die wondering.

AUSTRALIA 0-2 PERU

Ray Gatt 1.08am: GOAL! Peru 2-0

Oh no. GOAL. Killer blow for the Socceroos as Peru get a second through Paolo Guerrero, the captain.

Jedinak is beaten for pace down the left and Guerro puts it away.

It’s a massive mountain to climb now.

Bert van Marwijk needs to react quickly,

AUSTRALIA 0-2 PERU

Ray Gatt 1.06am: Cahill gets ready

Looks like Tim Cahill is warming up on the sideline. There are suggestions he will come on in about 10 minutes.

Ray Gatt 1.04am: Second half underway

The players are coming out for the second half. It’s a massive 45 minutes for the Socceroos and Australian soccer.

It doesn’t look like Bert van Marwijk has made any changes to the side, so still Daniel Arzani and Tim Cahill wait patiently on the bench.

Peru make aq change with Aquino coming on.

The Socceroos kick off.

Ray Gatt 12.48am: HALFTIME — Australia 0-1 Peru

And that’s half time. The Socceroos are 1-0 down and have it all to do in the second half as they try to keep their World Cup finals hope alive.

It will be interesting to see what Bert van Marwijk does. I doubt he will make any changes at half time but he won’t wait too long in the second half I woudn’t think to bring on the likes of Daniel Arzani and Tim Cahill. Certainly Cahill would bring extra enthusiasm and a presence we badly need in the penalty area.

Meanwile, Denmark have been under enormous pressure from the French but have somehow survived to this point. It is 0-0.

Ray Gatt 12.43am: Another missed opportunity

Free kick Australia in a dangerous position, edge of the box on the right, as Josh Risdon is brought down after some lovely footwork.

Aaron Mooy stands over ready to whip it in.

Another chance goes begging as Trent Sainsbury does well to get his head to it but the ball goes wide for a goalkick.

Once again the Socceroos are creating chances but there is no-one taking advantage of the great work. It has been a recurring issue this campaign.

These sort of moments are made for Tim Cahill.

Now it is Peru who have a free kick in a similair position to the one Australia were in. Fortunately the Australians clear it. There’s just three minutes to half time.

AUSTRALIA 0-1 PERU

Tim Cahill of Australia looks on from the bench as Bert van Marwijk prowls the sideline. Photo: Getty Images
Tim Cahill of Australia looks on from the bench as Bert van Marwijk prowls the sideline. Photo: Getty Images

Ray Gatt 12.36am: Celtic star a cut above

Tom Rogic has been outstanding so far, clearly Australia’s best. He almost sets up a chance for Robbie Kruse as there is chaos in the Peruvian penalty area but the ball is called back for an offside.

Every time the Celtic star touches the ball he looks like creating something.

Peru look good when they have possession and are asking a few questions as they fire off a shot that goes wide.

In the other game between France and Denmark, it is still 0-0 so things are not going our wide.

Meanwhile, Rogic releases Kruse into the box but his cut back is deperately cleared by the Peruvians just ahead of Mat Leckie.

Aaron Mooy swings in the corner but it is cleared. It’s 35 minutes gone and still 1-0 Peru.

AUSTRALIA 0-1 PERU

Ray Gatt 12.29am: Rogic has a crack

Let off for the Socceroos as a free kick is floated into the area but a free header is hit weakly and it’s no trouble for Mat Ryan.

Australia have to be careful here. The Peruvians are sitting back and countering very well. They know the Socceroos have to get forward which means they will leave themselves exposed defensively.

My goodness, Tom Rogic shows his class on the edge of the box with some wonderful skill to beat three players but his shot is blocked for a corner on 28 minutes. That would have been one of the great goals of the tournament so far had it come off.

AUSTRALIA 0-1 PERU

Ray Gatt 12.24am: Can Socceroos fight back?

For the third time in these finals, the Socceroos go behind.

Each time they have fought back. Hopefully they can do it again. There’s a lot of spirit in this side as they try for a quick response with Aziz Behich putting in a cross from the left for Mathew Leckie who just can’t get over the top of it and the ball balloons over the bar.

We are half way through the first half.

AUSTRALIA 0-1 PERU

Ray Gatt 12.20am: GOAL! Peru 1-0

Disaster for the Socceroos. Goal for Peru. But was there an offisde? Doesn’t appear to be any intervention from VAR

Against the run of play, Peru put in a long ball into the box. The cross comes across from the left and a powerful first time volley from Andre Carrillo gives Mat Ryan no chance.

AUSTRALIA 0-1 PERU

Ray Gatt 12.17am: Socceroos attack the right

Australia are looking quite composed with no signs of nerves. They are moving the ball around well and are especially trying to exploit Peru down their right side defence.

Aziz Behich and Robbie Kruse have been prominent while Aaron Mooy is getting on the ball a great deal and running the midfield as you’d expect, and want.

In the other game any fears France, who have made six changes to their line-up, will try and coast are misplaced as they are taking the game to the Danes. It is 0-0 in both games after 16 minutes.

AUSTRALIA 0-0 PERU

Ray Gatt 12.12am: Jedinak cops a card

Mile Jedinak goes into the book with a yellow card after a very high tackle. Hopefully that won’t come back to hurt the Socceroos if we need a tie breaker to determine who finishes second in the group.

The atmosphere is extraordinary and you’d think it will lift both sets of players.

Over at the France v Denmark game, it is still 0-0 going on 12 minutes.

AUSTRALIA 0-0 PERU

Ray Gatt 12.08am: Socceroos settle best

It’s been a cagey start from both sides. The Socceroos look to have settled better than the Peruvians.

They have made a couple of incursions into their opponents’ danger zone.

Mathew Leckie raises the heart rate of Socceroos fans, running on to a long ball down the right and getting into the box before his attempted cross is blocked.

Tomi Juric then makes a promising run into the box and gets his foot to the ball and attempts to cut it back but the keeper intercepts it. Seven minutes gone and there’s plenty to like about the Socceroos at the moment.

AUSTRALIA 0-0 PERU

Socceroos star Tom Rogic (right) is challenged by Renato Tapia of Peru. Photo: Getty Images
Socceroos star Tom Rogic (right) is challenged by Renato Tapia of Peru. Photo: Getty Images

Ray Gatt 12am: We’re underway in Sochi

A big roar goes up from the crowd as the national anthems are completed.

And we have kick off at .

Strap yourselves in for 90 minutes of excitement and nerves as destiny awaits the Socceroos.

An early goal for the Soccoers would be fantastic as the Australians have fallen behind in both their group matches.

Ray Gatt 11.53pm: Players make their way out

The players are walking on to field at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi. There’s a big crowd and the atmosphere is coming across superbly.

Reports are that the Peruvian fans will outnumber Australian fans 70 per cent to 30 per cent, but that 30 per cent will make their presence felt.

There’s plenty of nerves going around among Australian fans because this game means so much.

At least the Socceroos’ fans don’t seem too nervous in the moments before kick-off at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi. Photo: AP
At least the Socceroos’ fans don’t seem too nervous in the moments before kick-off at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi. Photo: AP

11.52pm: Opposition analysis

Daniel Sankey 11.45pm: Kruse ‘won’t worry about it’

Sydney FC star and former Socceroo Alex Wilkinson has backed Australian winger Robbie Kruse to bounch back from online criticism of his performances at the 2018 World Cup in the best way possible against Peru tonight.

Kruse was subjected to threats of violence on social media over the weekend, forcing members of his family to shut down social media accounts.

Speaking on Optus Sport tonight, Wilkinson said if anything, the criticism would spur on Kruse in tonight’s match against Peru.

“It’s not fair. The amount of criticism on social media is never nice,” Wilkinson said.

“Everyone’s allowed their opinion. They pay to watch the game, buy the season tickets or whatever, but when it gets out of hand and starts affecting families and what-not, it’s ridiculous.

“Hopefully he (Kruse) hasn’t read into it too much or seen too much of it and, you know, the boys will rally around him. He’ll be confident in his own ability, he’s been there and done that for a while now Kruse ... he won’t worry about it too much at all. If anything, it will spur him on to perform well tonight.”

11.25pm: Could it get any closer?

Daniel Sankey 11.16pm: van Marwijk on starting XI

Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk has made a simple statement when questioned over his starting XI for tonight’s match against Peru — he’s chasing a victory, and this is the team he believes can do it.

van Marwijk opted for Tomi Juric to replace the injured Andrew Nabbout as the lone striker in the only change to the team that started against both France and Denmark earlier in the tournament.

“I start always with the players I think have the best chance of a result,” van Marwijk told SBS.

Of Peru, van Marwijk was respectful of a team he described as unpredictable.

“They are playing with their heart, they are a little bit unpredictable, so it’s even more important we play our own game,” he said.

11.06pm: Berlin’s with ’Straya’

10.57pm: No favours from France

Ray Gatt 10.45pm: No Cahill, no Arzani ... no surprise

No Tim Cahill, no Daniel Arzani — it is no surprise Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk is a man of conviction by showing faith in the players who have performed so well during the finals in Russia.

The Dutchman has ignored all the hype, all the suggestions, all the criticism by sticking with almost the same XI that played in the first two games against France and Denmark, with Tomi Juric the only enforced change (for the injured Andrew Nabbout) for the do-or-die game against Peru at the Fisht Stadium, Sochi in just under 90 minutes.

The pressure was on him to pick Cahill and Arzani in the XI, but he would not have a bar of it, electing to stick by the much criticised Robbie Kruse on the left and bringing in Juric ahead of Cahill.

Bench weapons ... Socceroos stars Daniel Arzani (left) and Tim Cahill. Photo: Getty Images
Bench weapons ... Socceroos stars Daniel Arzani (left) and Tim Cahill. Photo: Getty Images

Still, it leaves him with the option of bringing both of them on at some stage of the game, especially if the Socceroos are still chasing a result with 15 or 20 minutes to go.

No doubt some fans will be angered that Kruse is still in the side, especially after the massive social media backlash against him following his performance against Denmark.

Australian winger Robbie Kruse. Photo: AAP
Australian winger Robbie Kruse. Photo: AAP

But van Marwijk has done the right thing. Kruse is a quality player who fits well into the way van Marwijk wants to play the game. He has a habit of bouncing back and making the critics eat their words. No doubt he will be fired up for this, as will the other 10 players who will carry the hopes of a nationa on their backs.

The Socceroos go into the game knowing only a win will give them a chance to advance to the knock out stage for the first time since the Golden Generation achieved the feat in the finals in Germany in 2006.

Even then, they will still require France to do them a massive favour by beating Denmark in the other group match that will be played at the same time at the Luzhniki Stadium.

It will be a nervous time as some will try to have one eye or an ear on the progress of the France-Denmark game.

That, however, won’t be on the minds of the Socceroos. Their job will be to get the result here then worry about the consequences of the other match.

They face a decent Peruvian side that has not been easy to play against and, like the Socceroos, has probably been a little stiff not to be in a better position instead of playing just for pride here.

10.32pm: Socceroos starting XI

As expected, there’s no Tim Cahill in Bert van Marwijk’s starting XI for the Socceroos in their do-or-die clash against Peru tonight.

Tomi Juric replaces the injured Andrew Nabbout as the lone striker, with the rest of the starting team unchanged.

10.30pm: French keen to do us a favour

France have yet to shine at the World Cup but they have good reason to show they have something special — for them, and for Australia — when they take on Denmark in their Group C finale.

Les Bleus have qualified for the knockout stage with victories against Australia and Peru but they are keen to avoid Croatia in the last 16 after the way the Balkan side, favourites to top Group D, impressed in their opening games.

France need a draw to seal first spot in their group for a meeting with the second-place finishers in Group D — be they Argentina, Iceland or Nigeria. Victory for France will ensure the Socceroos advance if they beat Peru, with both matches kicking off at midnight AEST.

Another reason for France to show off their best is the remark made by Denmark coach Age Hareide, who last month dismissed Didier Deschamps’ side as “nothing special.”

France coach Didier Deschamps takes his team through its paces ahead of tonight’s Group C match against Denmark. Photo: AFP
France coach Didier Deschamps takes his team through its paces ahead of tonight’s Group C match against Denmark. Photo: AFP

Hareide also criticised Paul Pogba’s love for haircuts, a remark the French midfielder laughed off.

“I should have dyed my hair red. But seriously, we’ll do the talking on the pitch,” he said.

Denmark will advance with a draw but a defeat, paired with an Australia win against Peru, could send them packing.

France seem to fear Croatia much more than Denmark, an opponent they have beaten six times in their past seven meetings.

“In that Group (D), Croatia seem to be the most dangerous opponent so let’s try to finish first to avoid them,” France midfielder Coretin Tolisso said.

And Pogba agreed: “Let’s say Croatia is the team to avoid,” he said.

It is yet unclear whether Deschamps will be keen to rest some key players before the last 16 challenge.

Struggling for form ... star France forward Antoine Griezmann. Photo: AFP
Struggling for form ... star France forward Antoine Griezmann. Photo: AFP

The form of striker Antoine Griezmann, who arrived tired in Russia after a long club season with Atletico Madrid, remains a potential headache.

“I am going to get better. It was the same at Euro 2016. I was at my best for the knockout stages,” Griezmann said.

Should Deschamps opt to rest several players, he could put Pogba and Blaise Matuidi on the bench after they were booked in the opening games. Denmark’s William Kvist, who was injured in their first match against Peru and had returned home for medical examinations, will probably not be fit to play, Danish broadcaster TV2 reported.

REUTERS

10.15pm: Cometh the hour, cometh the man

10.05pm: Sleep? Who needs sleep?

10pm: Will the A-League bounce back?

Football Federation Australia (FFA) expects interest in the A-League to bounce after the Socceroos’ participation in the World Cup, along with participation at junior levels.

Millions of Australians have tuned in to the Socceroos’ exploits in Russia, as Mile Jedinak attempts to lead the team into the knockout phase for the first time since 2006.

A do-or-die group stage finale with Peru tonight (midnight AEST) will decide their fate in the tournament.

It’s been the best month for the sport since the 2015 Asian Cup, hosted and won on home soil.

FFA chief David Gallop is eager for that momentum to roll onto the domestic league.

The A-League endured a downturn in interest during the 2017/18 campaign, with fewer eyeballs watching the competition and a slump in fans through the turnstiles.

The competition has provided two of Australia’s star players — Daniel Arzani and Josh Risdon — with every member of Bert van Marwijk’s starting XI having once called the league home.

Daniel Arzani (left) in action for Melbourne City in an A-League match against Wellington Phoenix in Auckland in May. Photo: Getty Images
Daniel Arzani (left) in action for Melbourne City in an A-League match against Wellington Phoenix in Auckland in May. Photo: Getty Images

Despite that, Mat Leckie, one of the best-performing Socceroos in Russia, issued a gloomy forecast on the sport’s future, saying he “can’t see a huge amount changing in terms of people getting on board with the A-League”. Gallop disagrees.

“I am sure people will be inspired to go and watch people like Josh and Daniel in the A-League,” he said.

“With the prospect of two new clubs joining in the season after next, I think football has a lot of momentum coming out of this World Cup.”

Football has traditionally enjoyed spikes in grassroots participation following the World Cup every four years.

Gallop said he hoped it would lead to another edition of the global tournament heading to Australia.

“We expect to see an increase in participation,” Gallop continued. “We’ve been delighted with the support the Socceroos have received at home from millions of fans and the massive media coverage will help to attract new fans who are stoked to see our guys competing with the best in the world.

“The global coverage also lifts our thoughts to the chance to host the Women’s World Cup in 2023. That could be sensational for football and Australia.”

FFA boss David Gallop. Photo: Justin Sanson
FFA boss David Gallop. Photo: Justin Sanson

AAP

9.45pm: A Rogic rocket tonight, please

We wholeheartedly agree, Celtic Football Club...

9.30pm: Welcome to the Socceroos slog

The one constant on Australia’s record-setting World Cup journey has urged the Socceroos to live in the present if they’re to continue their ride beyond their next game.

The Socceroos face Peru in Sochi with their Russia 2018 campaign on the line. It’s a decisive game but just the latest in a whirlwind three years for Australia, which has played matches in 17 countries since beginning the qualification pathway in the Kyrgyzstan capital of Bishkek.

Ante Milicic has been there throughout.

“I reflect on it every single day,” the Socceroos assistant said. “I never take it for granted, how hard the staff and all the players have worked to get here.

Socceroos assistant coach Ante Milicic. Photo: Getty Images
Socceroos assistant coach Ante Milicic. Photo: Getty Images

“Not only the ones that are here but the ones that unfortunately missed out on selection.

“It’s been such a long journey and we’ve really earned this one.”

The Ange Postecoglou appointee was the sole assistant retained by Bert van Marwijk when the Dutchman took the reins earlier this year.

In doing so, he’s the only part of the football department that’s made every journey.

It’s not surprising that no player has joined him for every match given the 22-game route was the longest in the tournament’s history: no team has ever taken a longer route to a World Cup.

The indefatigable Mat Leckie played in every away qualifier but missed a friendly against England in June 2016.

A host of players missed a sole away qualifier; Aaron Mooy did so for the opening match. Mat Ryan wasn’t seen in Tajikistan a month later. Tom Rogic didn’t go to Iran to play Iraq, while a foot issue kept Massimo Luongo out of a crucial away qualifier in Thailand. Only suspension could stop the Socceroos’ great survivor and warrior Mark Milligan from missing a match; the inter-continental qualifier in Honduras.

SOCCEROOS SLOG
■ Away-days on the road to Russia: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Jordan, Bangladesh, England, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Iran (vs Iraq), Russia (Confederations Cup), Japan, Malaysia (vs Syria), Honduras, Norway, Austria (vs Czech Republic), Hungary.

AAP

9.15pm: Messages of support

Nice to see some support from England for our Socceroos...

9pm: Peru playing for pride

Peru’s captain says his nation’s happiness depends on beating Australia in their World Cup fixture.

In contrast to their opponent, the Peruvians have no chance of advancing to the knockout phase of the tournament in Russia.

The Socceroos must down Peru and France defeat Denmark, to progress — but even then, goal difference and disciplinary records could decide Australia’s fate. But Peru captain Paolo Guerrero dismissed any notion of the match in Sochi being a dead rubber for his side.

“Despite the fact that we have been knocked out ... we would like to at least go home with three points so that we can give our people a small bit of joy,” Guerrero said.

“We don’t want to go home empty handed.

“The whole team has the expectation of going home with three points and we really look forward to giving the people of Peru that joy.”

Peru skipper Paolo Guerrero (left) and midfielder Christian Cueva train ahead of tonight’s match against the Socceroos. Photo: AFP
Peru skipper Paolo Guerrero (left) and midfielder Christian Cueva train ahead of tonight’s match against the Socceroos. Photo: AFP

Peru have ruled out forward Jefferson Farfan — he remains in hospital with concussion after being knocked out in a clash of heads at training on Saturday. Peru coach Ricardo Gareca said the loss of Farfan was a blow for what he described as a “vital match for us”.

“It’s very important and we’re taking it very seriously,” Gareca said. “We want to end our participation at the World Cup in the best possible manner, especially for our followers and fans who are coming to see the match and those back home who have supported us wholeheartedly.

“For us, the match is as important as our opener and our subsequent match.”

Gareca said the spirit of his players remained high despite knowing they would exit at the group stage.

“Very quickly we have put the (previous) matches behind us,” he said. “We know it’s very difficult, Australia has a top-notch national team. “They are going to try and secure their classification for the round of 16 but we are ... fully prepared.”

Peru coach Ricardo Gareca. Photo: AFP
Peru coach Ricardo Gareca. Photo: AFP

AAP

8.45pm: Sneak peek from Bozza

Former Socceroos goalkeeper-turned-Fox Sports analyst Mark Bosnich will be an interested spectator in Sochi today. Here’s a sneak peek of the venue as he makes his way to the ground for the pre-match function.

8.30pm: Socceroos’ destiny not in their hands

Mile Jedinak is full of hope. But he’s also a realist. The Socceroos captain knows his team’s World Cup fate hinges, somewhat, on luck. Australia must defeat Peru tonight — with France to down Denmark — to have a chance of fulfilling their ambition of reaching the knockout stage of soccer’s showpiece tournament. Get the lowdown on all the ramifications for the Socceroos here.

“We’re not kidding ourselves, we are relying on someone else to get a result for us,” Jedinak said.

“But we have got to go and do the business ourselves.”

Should Denmark draw with or beat France, the Australians will exit at the group stage for the third World Cup in a row regardless of their result against Peru. The Socceroos’ 2006 outfit, dubbed the golden generation, is the only Australian team to reach the round of 16 at a World Cup and Jedinak sorely wants to join them.

“It would be a huge achievement for us,” he said.

“This national team and this group of players, everyone knows the journey over the last four years of what it has taken for us to get to this point and how we have grown, how we have matured as a group.

“We have just grown together. We have been through a few ups and downs and I think everybody has come out of it better for it.

“You can see that in our performances of late.

“This is what we’re seeing with the results of that but we have got to try everything we possibly can to make sure we can get there.

“And we need a little bit of luck as well because it’s not all in our hands.”

AAP

8.15pm: How the bookie sees it

The Socceroos have won plenty of admirers for their performances against France and Denmark at this World Cup, but even so, they’ll still go in as underdogs in tonight’s must-win Group C match against Peru in Sochi.

Online bookmaker PointsBet has Peru, the world no.11, a $2.25 favourite to win the clash, with the Socceroos $3.05 outsiders. The draw is paying $3.50.

In PointsBet’s draw no bet market, in which stakes are refunded in the event of a draw, Peru are $1.65 favourites ahead of the Socceroos at $2.25.

Peru’s Jose Paolo Guerrero is the $5 favourite to the be first goalscorer of the match ahead of teammates Jefferson Farfan ($6.00, but under an injury cloud and unlikely to play) and Raul Ruidiaz ($6.75). Australia’s Tomi Juric is next in the betting at $7 ahead of teammates Jamie Maclaren ($7.50) and Tim Cahill ($8).

In the other Group C match — which France must win to give Australia a chance of advancing through to the round of 16 — Les Bleus are warm favourites to win at $2.08, with the draw paying $2.70 and a Denmark win $4.75.

Tomi Juric will be one of the key goalscoring options for the Socceroos against Peru tonight. Photo: AAP
Tomi Juric will be one of the key goalscoring options for the Socceroos against Peru tonight. Photo: AAP

8pm: Our multicultural stars

Australia might have to find room for another citizen after Socceroos coach Bert van Mawijk let slip his growing admiration for the country he’s led through the World Cup.

“I feel already, a little bit, as an Australian,” the normally ice-cool Dutchman said, smiling, in Sochi ahead of the Socceroos’ do-or-die clash with Peru. “It’s been very nice to work with these players and the whole squad. It feels very good.”

That van Marwijk should feel at home under the Australian flag is no surprise. He is the third Dutch coach, after Guus Hiddink and Pim Verbeek, to lead Australia to a World Cup.

The Socceroos have always embraced people of all cultures and backgrounds, whether players or fans.

The 23-man squad boasts players that were born, or had parents born, in at least 16 different countries.

Captain Mile Jedinak is one of several Socceroos with Croatian heritage, anxiously awaiting to see if they face the country of their parents in the round of 16. Elsewhere, Daniel Arzani brings Iranian flair to the Socceroos, Massimo Luongo has parents from Italy and Indonesia, while one side of Aaron Mooy’s family is Dutch.

Socceroos star Daniel Arzani has Iranian heritage. Photo: Toby Zerna
Socceroos star Daniel Arzani has Iranian heritage. Photo: Toby Zerna

Tom Rogic’s parents were born in Serbia but met in Canberra after independently moving to Australia.

“You look at the squad and see the number of people with different backgrounds from anywhere in the world. That’s Australia in general,” Rogic said. Tomi Juric said he believed the Socceroos’ popularity and strength derived from their backgrounds.

“It’s cool. It’s unique. It’s special,” he said.

“I’ve got another passport and 20 others have another one too, but we’re on the same page every day, working and training hard together.

“Not a lot of other countries have that multicultural atmosphere. We’re really blessed and we should feel lucky to be involved with such good people.

“It’s one of our biggest assets.”

AAP

7.38pm: New reserve ‘keeper option?

7.25pm: Socceroos’ generation next

Twelve years after Australia first emerged from the group stage at a World Cup, a new generation of Socceroos have the chance to write their names in the nation’s football history.

In 2006, Harry Kewell’s late equaliser against Croatia in Stuttgart sent the Socceroos into the round of 16 at their expense.

Germany’s World Cup — including Tim Cahill’s iconic goals on Australia’s drought-breaking return to the tournament — was a formative experience for the modern-day team.

An experience, a dream, they will now live against Peru in Sochi tonight.

Harry Kewell celebrates his equaliser against Croatia at the 2006 World Cup. Photo: AP
Harry Kewell celebrates his equaliser against Croatia at the 2006 World Cup. Photo: AP

“I for one am never going to forget those nights,” goalkeeper Mat Ryan said. “Getting up and celebrating in Australia when we beat Japan and getting the results we needed to progress.

“And obviously the heartache that followed in the Italian game.

“It would mean the absolute world to me and show all the sacrifices and dedication all over the years to achieve something like that. It would have all paid off.”

Coincidentally, the Croatians loom as a likely opponent for Bert van Marwijk’s side if they are to replicate the feat of the 2006 team.

In Russia, the equation is trickier than it was for Guus Hiddink’s trailblazers. Not only must Australia beat the already eliminated firebrand South Americans, they must also hope France defeat Denmark.

A further potential for overall goals scored, disciplinary records and the dreaded drawing of lots could yet play a role in the Socceroos’ fate. Ryan says the permutations are immaterial.

“If we don’t go out and do the job against Peru there’s no point thinking about the France game,” he said.

“We’ll do what we need to and the rest will sort itself out.”

Former Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink in 2006. Photo: Gregg Porteous
Former Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink in 2006. Photo: Gregg Porteous

AAP

7pm: Why is Cahill not playing?

Bert van Marwijk refused to answer the question on most Australian lips: why hasn’t Tim Cahill played at the World Cup?

“I am not going to discuss here players who are playing or don’t play,” the Socceroos coach told reporters in Sochi.

Van Marwijk is clearly tiring of the query, which has hovered over Australia’s campaign in Russia.

Tim Cahill prepares for tonight’s match against Peru. Photo: Toby Zerna
Tim Cahill prepares for tonight’s match against Peru. Photo: Toby Zerna

Cahill — arguably the greatest-ever Socceroos player and the nation’s all-time leading scorer, the talisman — hasn’t got a look in.

Van Marwijk preferred the speed and chase offered by Andrew Nabbout as the starting frontman in Australia’s 2-1 loss to France and 1-1 draw with Denmark. But with Nabbout sidelined after suffering a dislocated right shoulder against the Danes, van Marwijk now has three attacking choices for the must-win game against Peru: Tomi Juric, Jamie Maclaren or Cahill.

Van Marwijk’s reluctance to detail in public his reasoning on Cahill has created unease in Australia, but not among the Socceroos camp.

Goalkeeper Mat Ryan said Cahill was as Cahill has always been — an inspiration for his teammates.

“Someone of his stature, he’s always going to be an influential part of the group,” Ryan told reporters in Sochi.

“He … has achieved a lot of positive things in football and that experience rubs off on us as a playing group.

“And his approach to training, to life, and his dedication and sacrifice, I think that goes throughout the whole group.

Socceroos legends (from left) Harry Kewell, John Aloisi, Marco Bresciano and Tim Cahill train for the Asian Cup in 2007. Photo: Peter Wallis
Socceroos legends (from left) Harry Kewell, John Aloisi, Marco Bresciano and Tim Cahill train for the Asian Cup in 2007. Photo: Peter Wallis

“It’s players like him and Marco Bresciano and Harry Kewell and the players of the past, they probably learnt from their predecessors also and it is just fed through the system to us.”

And Ryan is certain of one thing: if van Marwijk finally decides it’s Timmy time, the 38-year-old Cahill won’t let anyone down.

“He is obviously still an integral part,” Ryan said.

“And if Bert thinks that he is going to be playing an integral part in the game, I’m sure he’s going to be more than ready — like any other (squad) member.

“And hopefully if we call upon them then they are going to do what is needed to help us progress.”

AAP

6.30pm: The equation for the Socceroos

How the Socceroos can advance to the World Cup Round of 16

■ Must beat Peru, and France must defeat Denmark
■ If Denmark draw or defeat France, Australia exit regardless of their result against Peru
■ France are through already, Peru cannot progress
■ Should France and Australia win, the Socceroos will be tied on four points with Denmark

Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak. Photo: AFP
Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak. Photo: AFP

■ Goal difference will then determine which nation goes through: the team with the best differential advance (Denmark are plus one, Australia minus one)
■ Should goal difference not separate, the nation with the most goals scored advances
■ Should goal difference and goals scored be level, the nation with the best disciplinary record will advance. This is decided on a points basis: one point deduction for a yellow card, three point deduction for a red card issued as a result of a second yellow; four point deduction for a straight red; five-point deduction for a straight red issued after a yellow card. (Australia have three yellow cards, Denmark four yellow cards)
■ Should the nations still be level after goal difference, goals scored and disciplinary record, lots are drawn: two balls go into a pot, the one that gets pulled out advances
■ The only time FIFA has drawn lots to break a tie in a group is the 1990 World Cup when Ireland and the Netherlands tied for second place in their group. The Netherlands wound up third but both teams had already advanced under the 24-team format in place at the time
■ Group C standings: 1. France: 6 points (two wins, three goals for, one goal against, goal difference plus two) 2. Denmark: 4 points (one win, one draw, two goals for, one goal against, goal difference plus one) 3. Australia: 1 point (one draw, one loss, two goals for, three goals against, goal difference minus one) 4. Peru: 0 points (two losses, goals for nil, goals against two, goal difference minus two)

AAP

6pm: PREVIEW — Socceroos vs Peru

Where and when: Fisht Stadium, Sochi June 24 — 5pm kick-off (local), 12am midnight (AEST).

AUSTRALIA
Coach: Bert van Marwijk
Captain: Mile Jedinak
World ranking: 36

PERU
Coach: Ricardo Gareca
Captain: Paolo Guerrero
World ranking: 11

THE FORM
■ Australia harbour a chance of staying on at the World Cup and Peru is already out but the two nations have played some sparking stuff in Russia. How Peru’s Christian Cueva must rue his missed penalty against Denmark, which would have put the South Americans ahead in Saransk. Pedro Aquino hit the post against France in another 1-0 loss. Australia were unlucky against France and ran all over the Danes without scoring a winner.

Peru midfielder Christian Cueva (centre) is comforted by team-mates at half-time after his missed penalty against Denmark. Photo: AFP
Peru midfielder Christian Cueva (centre) is comforted by team-mates at half-time after his missed penalty against Denmark. Photo: AFP

THE STAKE
■ For Australia, a place in the last 16. For Peru, pride. And that’s dangerous for the Socceroos given the passion that Gareca’s side have already shown in Russia. The South Americans have dedicated their performance to the tens of thousands of fans that have flooded the country for their first tournament in 36 years. Australia are hoping to sneak second place in the group with a win, but will only do so if France also beat Denmark with a goal difference swing between the two games of three.

THE CAPTAINS
■ Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak is one of the reasons his Peruvian counterpart Paolo Guerrero at the World Cup. The 34-year-old talismanic forward was handed a drugs ban for ingesting cocaine while drinking tea. Both FIFA and WADA found it to be accidental and not performance enhancing until a late appeal overturned his suspension. Jedinak, France captain Hugo Lloris and Denmark leader Simon Kjaer co-signed a letter requesting clemency.

THE INJURIES
■ Australia lost Andrew Nabbout to a dislocated shoulder late in the match against Denmark, with the 25-year-old unlikely to be seen again this tournament. In will come Tomi Juric — unless van Marwijk gives a start to Jamie Maclaren or Tim Cahill. Peru are set to be without two key men in their starting side. Jefferson Farfan was concussed in training on Saturday while centre back Alberto Rodriguez was substituted at halftime against France.

Socceroos forward Tomi Juric is in contention to start for Australia tonight in place of the injured Andrew Nabbout. Photo: AFP
Socceroos forward Tomi Juric is in contention to start for Australia tonight in place of the injured Andrew Nabbout. Photo: AFP

AAP

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/football/world-cup-2018-australia-vs-peru-live-coverage-of-group-c-match-in-sochi/news-story/6c2abab744032c29ce3c4048f6a8e348