Only a few hours left until the most important match in the last 35 years
The 'bicolor' is risking all its chances of returning to a World Cup against New Zealand. However, after the scoreless draw in Wellington, Peru needs a victory in order to secure a direct ticket to Russia 2018. A goalless draw will lead to extra time and if the tie remains, everything will be decided by penalties.
Remembering the times when the 'blanquirroja' couldn't decide a match in 90 minutes
The first time our national team had to go to penalties was in the 1999 Copa America against Mexico. The quarter-final match ended in a 3-3 draw. Roberto Palacios scored at 6', José Pereda at 15', and Nolberto Solano at 43' for Peru. Luis Hernández scored at 28' and 33' for Mexico with Gerardo Torrado equalizing at 87'. After the draw, penalties were needed and Peru lost 4-2. Claudio Suárez, Isaac Terrazas, José García, and Miguel Zepeda scored for Mexico, while Nolberto Solano and Jorge Soto scored for Peru, and José Soto and Juan Reynoso missed their chances.
The next penalty shootout for the 'bicolor' was in the 2016 Copa America Centenario against Colombia
The quarter-final match also ended in a scoreless draw. In the penalty shootout, Peru lost again, this time 4-2. James Rodríguez, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, Dayro Moreno, and Sebastián Pérez scored for Colombia, while Raúl Ruidíaz and Renato Tapia scored for Peru, and Miguel Trauco and Christian Cueva missed their shots.
Regarding extra time, the results are more positive
The only time we reached extra time, we managed to achieve victory. It was against Colombia in the quarter-finals of the 2011 Copa America in Argentina. After a 0-0 draw in 90 minutes, the team led by Sergio Markarián found the net twice. Carlos Lobatón scored at 101' and Juan Vargas at 111'.
In conclusion, penalties have not been favorable for us, but we have had success in extra time
However, in both situations, anxiety was prevalent. Let's hope that against New Zealand, everything is resolved in our favor in 90 minutes and we can finally end the 35-year World Cup drought.