Peru plays out goalless draw against NZ

Wellington : Peru played out a goalless draw against New Zealand here on Saturday in the first leg of the play-off for World Cup Russia 2018.

Despite being better on the field, Peru were unable to deliver the knockout punch against New Zealand, reports Efe.

The second leg will be played on Wednesday in Lima in which the pressure will be on the South Americans, who are favourites in the qualifier stage.

Peru was the better team but lacked ideas to defeat New Zealand, who gained confidence as the match progressed and created trouble for the visitors towards the end.

Algeria draws with Nigeria in last World Cup qualifier

Algiers : Algeria was held 1-1 by Nigeria on the final day of the football World Cup’s qualifiers in Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine, 420 km eastern Algiers.

The newly-appointed coach of Algeria, Rabah Madjer, wanted to open his mission with a win, despite the absence of key players, including Hillal Soudani and Nabil Bentaleb on Friday, reports Xinhua. John Ogu of the Super Egales scored the opener through a curled shot (63), while Yacine Brahimi equalised as he successfully converted a penalty into goal.

Nigeria has already secured a berth in the World Cup 2018 in Russia, after grabbing 14 points to top Group B. Algeria wrapped up the qualifiers with only two points, in the last spot.