There can only be one: Peru and Australia will play out the penultimate available spot for the World Cup in Qatar on Monday.
“We have the responsibility to take the country to another World Cup,” Peru coach Ricardo Gareca made clear the importance of the clash at a press conference in Ar-Rayyan in Qatar. The South Americans could secure their sixth appearance in football’s biggest international tournament with a win there on Monday. As could opponents Australia. “This is the most important game of our game – that goes for them and for us,” insisted Pedro Gallese, goalkeeper and captain of the Peruvian side.
Experience as a factor? Who will face France & Co.?
The last time the two nations faced each other was at the last World Cup, of all places. In 2018 in Russia, Peru prevailed 2-0 in group play but, like Australia, failed to qualify for the knockout rounds. According to Gallese, the key to another victory will be experience: “We are the same team as four years ago. Many have matured. “
The winner of the intercontinental duel will get the remaining vacancy in Group D with defending champions France, Denmark and Tunisia. Australia qualified for the all-important match with a 2-1 win in Ar-Rayyan last Tuesday thanks to goals from Jackson Irvine of second-division FC St Pauli and Ajdin Hrustic of Bundesliga and Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt against the United Arab Emirates.
The second free place – in the group with Germany – will be awarded on Tuesday in the second play-off in the World Cup host country between Costa Rica and New Zealand.
