Peru beat New Zealand, earn final spot in World Cup

Peru’s players celebrate after a play-off qualifying match for the 2018 Russian World Cup against New Zealand. (Source: AP)

Peru beat New Zealand 2-0 on Wednesday night to win a two-leg playoff and earn the 32nd and last spot in the World Cup field in Russia.

Peru won at home after tying 0-0 on Saturday in New Zealand. It last reached the World Cup in 1982.

Striker Jefferson Farfan opened the scoring Wednesday in the 27th minute from the edge of the box.

Defender Christian Ramos made it 2-0 in the 64th minute after a mistake from New Zealand’s defense.

Peruvian players dedicated the win to striker Paolo Guerrero, who was suspended on doping suspicions.

New Zealand failed in a bid to reach its third World Cup.

Peru’s qualification will put the South American team in pot 2 of the World Cup draw with Spain, Switzerland, England, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Croatia.