LIMA, Peru (AP) - As Peru's president promised, the South American country will have its soccer-dedicated holiday on Thursday.
Peru beat New Zealand 2-0 on Wednesday night to win a two-leg playoff and earn the 32nd and last spot in the World Cup field in Russia.
The last time the Peruvians reached the World Cup was in 1982 in Spain.
After a goalless draw in New Zealand on Saturday, a more vibrant Peru showed up at the Estadio Nacional.
Despite the absence of their main striker Paolo Guerrero, who has been suspended by FIFA on doping suspicions, the Peruvians controlled the match from the start.