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Argentina sink Peru with late goals
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-10-10 10:10
BUENOS AIRES, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Argentina scored twice in the final ten
minutes for a hard-earned 2-0 win over a stubborn Peru in their World Cup
qualifier on Sunday.
Eigthteen-year-old Lionel Messi, given his first start by coach Jose
Pekerman, set up the opener when he won a penalty, converted by Juan Roman
Riquelme, before defender Luis Guadelupe put through his own goal in injury
time.
Already-qualified Argentina remained top of the 10-nation South American
World Cup qualifying group with 34 points from 17 games and increased their lead
over Brazil to three points.
Argentina are away to Uruguay in their final game on Wednesday while Brazil,
who have also qualified and drew 1-1 away to Bolivia earlier in the day, host
Venezuela.
Out of contention for a finals berth, Peru stayed ninth with 15 points.
Regarded as one of the most gifted Argentine players to play for the national
side in years, Messi had made only two brief appearances before Sunday.
He was sent off after less than two minutes of his debut in a friendly
against Hungary in August and was given another nine minutes in last month's 1-0
qualifying defeat by Paraguay.
Messi gave the Peru defence a torrid time with his speed but also found the
going tough as he was repeatedly fouled by the visitors.
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