The South Americans, ranked 10th in the world and heavily favoured to advance to next year’s finals in Russia, had only two real chances to score a crucial away goal as home captain Winston Reid marshalled the All Whites’ defence with aplomb.
New Zealand goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic made a goal-line save after a mixup in defence and then tipped over a header from Aldo Corzo in the second half as the home team held their shape in the intercontinental playoff.
All Whites Midfielder Ryan Thomas had arguably the best chance but his 85th-minute shot flashed centimetres wide of the right-hand post and the sides head to Lima dead-locked for the second leg on Wednesday.
Burnley striker Chris Wood started on the New Zealand bench after coming into the camp with a hamstring injury but was subbed on with 16 minutes left as the All Whites looked for a goal.
The Peruvians, under immense pressure to qualify for a first World Cup since 1982, dominated early, with midfielder Christian Cueva and forward Jefferson Farfan causing problems for the hosts’ defence.
- New Zealand, Peru draw 0-0 in World Cup playoffMiami Herald
- Kiwis eye Peru upset in World Cup qualifiersDeathRattleSports.com
- World Cup play-off: New Zealand hold Peru to goalless drawBBC Sport
- Nothing between New Zealand and Peru – All Whites midfielder Ryan ThomasNewshub
- Recap: All Whites v Peru - Fifa World Cup intercontinental playoff first legStuff.co.nz
- New Zealand 0 Peru 0: Winston Reid captains All Whites to 2018 World Cup play ...Evening Standard
- All Whites on track for World Cup - coach Anthony HudsonNewshub
- All Whites keep World Cup hopes aliveRadio New Zealand
- Numerous arrests in south Auckland for disorderly behaviourTVNZ
