The All Whites have fallen at the final hurdle of their run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, going down 2-0 to Peru in their playoff second leg in Lima.
Goals in either half to Jefferson Farfan and Christian Ramos broke the Kiwis’ hearts in what was a resolute but ultimately uninspiring performance.
Los Incas – who win 2-0 on aggregate after a 0-0 draw in Wellington – will go to the Cup for the first time since 1982 while New Zealand will miss football’s showpiece once again, having only ever qualified in 1982 and 2010.
Grobbelaar
Roar Guru
Commisserations to our cousins across the ditch, but I have to say, it's nice to see the famous red sash back in the WC.
JR Salazar
Guest
Add to the rugby league team crashing out...a tough week for New Zealand sports.
JR Salazar
Guest
Peru had to wait 36 years.
JR Salazar
Guest
You mates aren't that good.
Lionheart
Guest
that's pretty bad. A rematch would be fair given those occurrences. Compare it to the treatment given our team by Honduras.
Captain Furry McFurryFace
Guest
"Perhaps Oceania’s top two teams should join the final Asian groups and Asia get 5 qualifiers?" Not two, just the OFC winner - even if they have to play off vs. the lowest-ranked 2nd placegetter from the Asian second-round group stage first (which you can bet the AFC would insist on)
Captain Furry McFurryFace
Guest
"Perhaps Oceania’s top two teams should join the final Asian groups and Asia get 5 qualifiers?" Not two, just the winner - even if they have to play off vs. the lowest-ranked 2nd placegetter in the Asian second-round group stage first (which you can bet the AFC would insist on)
me too
Guest
Pretty shameful behaviour by the Peruvians ad obviously some of it organised or blind eyed from the very top. Also an unfai matchup by fifa to continue to have Oceania v St America. Geography should dictate Oceania v Asia, Nth &Central America v South America - but of course, it's set up to maximise the USA's chances of qualification. Too bad for them, but bad luck for NZ. Just glad we're in Asia and the easier route nowadays. Perhaps Oceania's top two teams should join the final Asian groups and Asia get 5 qualifiers?
Griffo
Roar Guru
Sad to hear this and getting so close NZ. Can understand how Peru feels, given our own 32 year wait until 2005.
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
The Peruvians IMO didn't have to resort to the tactics they did...... *Having the Kiwi flight circling for a while causing a longer flight *Bus arriving late at the airport by approx. an hour to pick them up * Three fighter jets from the Peruvian air force doing a 'fly-over' later after arrival *3am fire works display outside their hotel with no spectators visible according to BEIN Sports who showed the footage * And then there was the lasers in their face trick....... All this happening and then they have to play the game? FIFA should do some investigating and order a re-match, at a neutral venue. Imagine the outcry here if it were the Socceroos instead. Shameful act by the Peruvians, and no, i'm not a Kiwi.
Josh Barton
Roar Pro
If Australia had been lined up against Peru I reckon they would have beaten us - it was a tough matchup. Though they played much better once Wood came on, and on another day if he had started who knows what might have been. I bet the Kiwi's can't wait for automatic qualification becomes and option.
RangiM
Guest
we prove once again we are a nation with only 1 sport First Tonga in League and now Peru in soccer. Lucky we got rugby, oh hang on...ABs lost to Wallabies
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Too bad so sad.