Joeys share spoils with Peru

The Qantas Joeys have drawn 2-2 against Peru, host-nation for the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship, in their international match played overnight in Lima, Peru.

The Australians twice came from behind to secure a share of the spoils with goals from Victorian-duo Jamie Cumming and Matthew Spiranovic.

Peru opened the scoring after 37 minutes with Ricardo Campos scoring a headed goal at the far-post direct from a corner.

The Australians replied in almost identical fashion five minutes later though this time it was a free kick played in from near the corner by Canberra-based Kaz Patafta and headed in by Cumming.

The home side however went into the half time break a goal to the good scoring one minute into injury time with a shot from the edge of the area by Javier Carnero deceiving goalkeeper Alex Vrteski.

The Qantas Joeys impressed in the second period and secured a deserved equaliser with fifteen minutes remaining with Spiranovic getting on the end of a perfectly placed ball from Joel Allwright to head home powerfully.

"The boys really applied themselves in the second half, growing in confidence as the match went on and it was a game we could well have won," said National Youth Coach Ange Postecoglou.

"The match was another good learning experience for the players. They are implementing some of the aspects we have been working on at training and there was an improvement from last game which is also pleasing."

Following their scoreless draw against Ecuador on Sunday, the Qantas Joeys will play further matches against Peru on Thursday and Saturday to complete their four-match tour.

The Qantas Joeys have been drawn in a tough group for the FIFA U-17 World Championship and will face European Champions Turkey, South American qualifiers Uruguay as well as Mexico.

The tournament will be held in Peru from 16 September until 2 October.

Match details:

Peru 2 (Ricardo Campos 37', Javier Carnero 45+1')

Australia 2 (Jamie Cumming 42', Matthew Spiranovic 74')

Australian line-up:
Alex Vrteski, Jamie Cumming (Scott Weidenbach h/t), Wade Oostendorp, Matthew Spiranovic, Joel Allwright (Scott Gannon 77'), David D?Apuzzo, Brendan Maroney (Robbie Kruse h/t), Matthew Mullen (Leigh Broxham 77'), Kaz Patafta, David Williams, Daniel Miller (Ben Vidaic 56')