Peru "declared a national holiday after its first World Cup qualification in 36 years," according to the BBC. The country took the final qualifying spot for next year's tournament by beating New Zealand 2-0 in a playoff in Lima on Wednesday. President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski tweeted his congratulations to the team.
Public sector workers were "given the day off and schools will not open" (
BBC, 11/16).
RIPPLE EFFECT: The NEW ZEALAND HERALD reported Peru's joy at qualifying "resulted in seismic celebrations." The reactions after Jefferson Farfan's opening goal "were so forceful that several earthquake-detection apps were alerted to a potential natural disaster." The Spanish version of the Earthquake Network app reportedly "sent out an alert moments after Farfan's goal." However, "it was quickly discovered" that "the tremor was a result of the celebrations as Peru took the lead" (NZ HERALD, 11/16).
NO EXCUSES: In Auckland, Jason Pine reported New Zealand coach Anthony Hudson "expressed his frustration at aspects of his side's buildup" to its loss. Delayed "and diverted flights, tardy bus drivers, lost gate keys, early morning fireworks and military flyovers were just some of what New Zealand had to deal with" during the team's time in Lima. Hudson: "I'm always really honest and I probably shouldn't be at times, but I think it's been poor." He added, "It's been unbelievable. We didn't sleep at all last night with the fireworks. Today I thought I'd grab a quick hour's sleep by the pool and all of a sudden all these jet fighter planes are flying past and the pilots are taking selfies in the planes with their Peru shirts on. But never once in the two or three days here in Peru have we used that as an excuse" (NZ HERALD, 11/16).
