For Australia it was a disappointing way to bow out of the competition and they have now only won twice in 16 matches at World Cup finals. Mile Jedinak, who had scored both of their goals from the penalty spot in Russia, shot well over the top early on before Peru scored their first.
Peru defender Santamaria did excellently to produce a goal-saving challenge at the near post to deny Leckie after Robbie Kruse’s low cross had beaten goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Not even the second-half introduction of ex-Everton forward Tim Cahill could give Australia a way back into the game.
The 38-year-old, who had not featured in Australia’s opening two games, was aiming to become only the fifth man in World Cup history to score in four World Cups after Brazil’s Pele, German duo Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose, and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, Cahill did not have a chance, although he could have been picked out by Aziz Behich, who decided to shoot instead and pulled his effort well off target.