09:15 | Lima, Jun. 08 (ANDINA).
Peru kept their World Cup dream alive as they edged past Ecuador 1-0 at Lima's National Stadium on Friday.
Bayern Munich striker Claudio Pizarro scored the only goal after 12 minutes when he controlled midfielder Juan Vargas's cross with his back to goal and sent an overhead kick inside the far post.
The victory, the second straight at home, saw Peru climb above Uruguay into sixth place in South America's World Cup qualifying group with 14 points from 11 matches.
In a press conference after the match, Peru coach Sergio Markarian said he was happy for his team's victory in Lima while recognising that reaching the finals is still only a dream.
"We're taking the victory calmly, today we're still out of the World Cup. This win sets us up for the fight without promising anything," Markarian said.
The top four teams at the end of the qualifiers in October will go through to the World Cup finals in Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will enter a playoff against an Asian qualifier in November for another berth.
Venezuela are currently in fifth position with 16 points from 12 games, Supersport.com reported.
(END) INT/EEP
Published: 6/8/2013