New Zealand, Peru battle to 0-0 draw in World Cup playoff

New Zealand weathered a lack of possession and territory to hold Peru to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their World Cup playoff at Wellington Regional Stadium Saturday. The South Americans, ranked 10th in the world and heavily favoured to advance to next year's finals in Russia, had only two real chances to score a crucial away goal as home captain Winston Reid marshalled the All Whites' defence with aplomb. New Zealand goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic made a goal-line save after a mixup in defence and then tipped over a header from Aldo Corzo in the second half as the home team held their shape in the intercontinental playoff. All Whites midfielder Ryan Thomas had arguably the best chance but his 85th-minute shot flashed centimetres wide of the right-hand post and the sides head to Lima dead-locked for the second leg Wednesday.

FULL TIME | What an epic encounter with neither side giving an inch. On to Peru we go all locked up! #NZLvPER #WCQ 0-0 pic.twitter.com/5ueQtRfj3R

— New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) November 11, 2017

Burnley striker Chris Wood started on the New Zealand bench after coming into the camp with a hamstring injury but was subbed on with 16 minutes left as the All Whites looked for a goal. The Peruvians, under immense pressure to qualify for a first World Cup since 1982, dominated early, with midfielder Christian Cueva and forward Jefferson Farfan causing problems for the host's defence. Despite their superior possession, they had only one genuine chance in the first half when Marinovic pawed the ball away centimetres from the line after a defensive mix-up with Reid. The Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper was also called into action in the 63rd minute when he pushed a powerful Corzo header from a corner over the bar.

Football: All Whites draw 0-0 with Peru in Wellington match

— RNZ News (@rnz_news) November 11, 2017

Wood forced the only real save by Pedro Gallese with his first touch before Thomas had his chance to send the crowd of 37,034 into delirium when a loose ball fell to him. His shot flashed just wide.