Paolo Guerrero, the striker whose World Cup dreams were saved by Aussie skipper Mile Jedinak, saw them come true in Sochi.

Peru’s skipper was only competing in Russia at all because of an open letter written by other Group C captains that saw a controversial drugs ban lifted.

And when the chance presented itself, he made the most of it - claiming a decisive second 50th-minute goal for the South Americans who dumped the Socceroos out of the tournament.

The strike was greeted wildly by Peru’s supporters - there were an estimated 25,000 of them in the Fisht Stadium - and it was vindication for Guerrero who has fought a lengthy battle to clear his name.

The forward tested positive for cocaine last November but has always maintained that his crime was merely drinking coca tea.