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

New Zealand lack of possession and territory to hold Peru to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their 2018 World Cup finals intercontinental playoff at Wellington Regional Stadium on Saturday.

Peru, ranked 10th in the world, are heavily favoured to advance and were expected to swamp the All Whites, but they had only two real chances to score a crucial away goal as New Zealand captain Winston Reid marshalled his side’s defence.

Stefan Marinovic New Zealand goalkeeper produced a goal-line save after a mixup in defence and then tipped over a header from in the second half as the home side held their shape and Reid mopped up any attacks.

New Zealand midfielder Ryan Thomas had arguably the best chance of the match when his 85th-minute shot flashed just centimetres wide of the right-hand post to ensure both sides remained deadlocked for the second leg in Lima next Wednesday.