In a tense game in front of a large, hostile crowd, Colombia tied Peru in Lima to advance to the 2018 World Cup. The tie puts Colombia 4th in the table with 27 points. Peru, who finish in 5th place, will advance to a home and away playoff with New Zealand in November.
Colombia started the scoring with a brilliant goal from James Rodriguez in the 56th minute. Peru was able to respond, however, with a goal on a free kick by Paolo Guerrero in the 75 minute. With Chile falling to Brazil 3-0, Peru decided to play safe, taking no chances and running out the clock in extra time. A loss would have eliminated Peru from competition.
The Colombian team has not won a qualifying match since March, and will enter the tournament with some concerns. However they have 10 months to correct their mistakes and prepare for another World Cup run in 2018 in Russia.
