A stunning Andre Carrillo volley gave Peru their first World Cup goal in 36 years before captain Paolo Guerrero grabbed a second as the Andean nation condemned Australia to a 2-0 defeat in Sochi on Tuesday and an early exit from Russia.
Guerrero set up Carrillo`s 18th-minute wonder goal from the edge of the box with a delightful cross, then scored from a deflection five minutes after the interval to send Peru`s red-and-white army of fans into ecstasy at the Fisht Stadium.
Although already eliminated, the Peruvians head home on a high note, having grabbed their first World Cup win since their 4-1 defeat of Iran at the 1978 finals in Argentina.
Denied a place at the global showpiece for 36 years, the result left Peru third in Group C with three points, while the Socceroos head home with just one, but more than a few regrets.
France topped the group with seven points, with Denmark runners-up on five after the teams played out a 0-0 draw.
Australia had needed to beat Peru and for France to defeat Denmark so the result was largely academic for the Socceroos.
But Bert van Marwijk`s side would have felt it was deja vu, as they surged forward in numbers but lacked the polish to conjure a score.
Captain Mile Jedinak blazed over the bar in the fifth minute while winger Mathew Leckie was denied in the goalmouth by a scrambling defence in the 36th.
Not even an early second-half injection of talisman Tim Cahill could spark the Socceroos, their 38-year-old striker denied a goal in his World Cup swansong when he fired a volley straight into a Peru defender.
Australia have long yearned for a cutting edge up front but it was a defensive error that allowed Guerrero to swoop and set up Carrillo`s winner.
Fullback Josh Risdon failed to deal with a long ball, allowing Guerrero possession at the left of the area, and the captain wheeled a cross into the path of winger Carrillo who hammered the ball into the left corner of the net.
It was the Andean nation`s first World Cup goal since Guillermo La Rosa scored in a 5-1 defeat by Poland at the 1982 finals in Spain.
Australia tried to rally through midfielder Tom Rogic who barged through a nest of defenders into the box in the 27th minute only to have his shot blocked.