Much of the talk in the lead-up to the game centered around Paulo Guerrero, Peru's talismanic captain who had his drugs ban suspended, allowing him to make it to the World Cup. However, despite reassurances from manager Ricardo Gareca days before the game, Guerrero wasn't fit enough to start, and was named on the bench.
Peru didn't miss their striker early on though, as their front four buzzed around the Danish defence in the opening stages. A series of chances from the likes of Andre Carrillo, Luis Advincula and Yoshimar Yotun put the pressure on Denmark, and they did well to survive the onslaught.
However, Age Hareide's side grew into the game, and looked much more dangerous towards the end of the half. That being said, they almost went in at half-time a goal down, after VAR awared Peru a penalty in the 44th minute.
June 16, 2018
Christian Cueva was brought down in the box, and although the referee initially waved the decision away, he then decided to turn to VAR for assistance. The replays showed that Cueva's foot was brought out from under him, and the penalty was awarded. The man himself stepped up to take the spot kick, however he completely fluffed it, skying his attempt over the bar.
Cueva was left to rue his error early on in the second half, when Denmark hit Peru on the break. Christian Eriksen shuttled the ball upfield in the 59th minute, using the space well before laying it on for Yussuf Poulsen. The RB Leipzig man showed the clinicality that Peru were lacking, side-footing it into the net past Pedro Gallese.
Try as they might, Gareca's side couldn't find a reply. They put the pressure on for long spells in the second half, but resilient defending from the Danish backline, Kasper Schmeichel in particular, kept them from finding a breakthrough.
June 16, 2018
Peru will be gutted with the outcome of their return to the World Cup. They deserved at least a point, and they now sit bottom of Group C, meaning they will need to pick up results from both remaining games to have a chance of making it through to the next round.
Denmark, meanwhile, showed the importance of being clinical, and stand themselves in good stead for a top-two spot in the group, sitting just behind France on goal difference.
June 16, 2018