Peru 0-1 Denmark, World Cup 2018 Group C: Poulsen grabs the winner
Peru failed to take their chances, including a Cuevas penalty fired over the bar, and were hit by a well-taken Poulsen goal that gave the Danes victory.
Peru were left to rue their missed chances as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Denmark, with Poulsen scoring a very decent goal in the 59th minute, slotting it under Gallese.
The Peruvian's biggest chance came via VAR. Cuevas went down under Poulsen's challenge, but referee Gassama gave nothing in real time, before trotting over to have another look on his handy touchline monitor and giving the spot-kick to Peru.
Cuevas took it himself and after a Zaza-eque run up he leant back and slammed the ball over the bar.
Peru had several chances to level the match after Poulsen's opener, including a cute backheel from sub and talisman Guerrero, which slipped just past the post, but they couldn't take any of them, and now face an uphill battle to get out of Group C.
Peru vs Denmark: as it happened
Peru vs Denmark live stream online: preview
Peru and Denmark play in the second game in Group C after France beat Australia earlier on Saturday afernoon. Mordovia Arena is the venue tonight with kick-off at 18:00 CEST.
Denmark's path to the World Cup was not easy and they qualified after thumping Ireland in the second leg of their play-off. Christian Eriksen was outstanding in that game and it's no surprise that they will be relying on the number 10 again during the World Cup if they have any hope of advancing. Even Peru's manager has his eye on Eriksen and thinks the Spurs player will bring the best out of his side.
Peru have Jose Paolo Guerrero back after appealing his ban for a positive drug test but he doesn't start. Ricardo Gareca deserves credit for helping Peru to the World Cup and they might just be one of the best supported teams at the tournament.