Andina

Fans take over Lima to celebrate Peru's victory over Australia (Photo Gallery)

ANDINA/Luis Iparraguirre

19:24 | Lima, Jun. 26.

Two goals into the Australian net were enough to break the curse. These two points rekindled the passion of Peruvian fans —known as the red-white Peruvian wave— in the Incas' final game at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

Ricardo Gareca's men defeated Australian counterparts in their last Group C match Tuesday at Fisht Stadium in Sochi.

While some 60,000 Peruvian nationals made history in Russia, a similar phenomenon occurred in their homeland.

The photo gallery above gives a glimpse of passionate supporters' reactions in the South American nation. 


Thousands of followers stopped their daily activities to watch the game on giant screens set in Lima's Miraflores district and downtown area.

Once the match was over, enthusiasts took over the city to continue the celebrations.

Carrying a huge Peruvian flag and wearing national team jerseys with pride, fans ran along Jiron de la Union Street to San Martin Square.

They sang chants and extended thanks, as well as acknowledgement to the red-white squad along the way.


It must be noted that despite being eliminated at the group stage after two losses to Denmark and France, Peruvians are satisfied to have competed in their first World Cup since 1982.

It is true the results were not as expected, but the team's performance on the pitch provided the best possible experience to supporters, who continued celebrating in the Peruvian capital.

Tears, overflowing feelings, and fans' requests to extend Gareca's contract —for him to keep leading the national squad— were some of the highlights of the celebrations.


(END) ART/RMB/MVB

Published: 6/26/2018