All Whites replacement Ben Waine came close to an equaliser, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
On the balance of chances Peru deserved their victory, but the All Whites will believe they were good enough to earn a rare result against a South American team, in a performance that offers encouragement for the impending Costa Rica challenge.
Matt Garbett was simply outstanding, with Libby Cacace, Joe Bell and Winston Reid also prominent.
It was one of the great occasions in modern New Zealand football history, with an electric atmosphere. It almost felt like you were in Lima, with the energy pouring down from the grandstands.
It had all started hours before the game, with incredible scenes outside the stadium. Peruvian supporters had converged from across Spain – and the world – and were ready to celebrate, with their flares, fireworks and patriotic songs, often accompanied by drums or a brass section.
The All Whites arrived two hours before kickoff, entering via back roads with a significant police escort.
Coach Danny Hay opted for a central back three of Tommy Smith, Winston Reid and Bill Tuiloma, flanked by Libby Cacace and Niko Kirwan. Alex Greive was at the top of a midfield diamond, ahead of Marko Stamenic, Joe Bell and Matt Garbett, with Chris Wood leading the line.
The match kicked off in baking conditions, almost 30 degrees at 5:30pm local time.
It was a nervy start, as Lapadula got in behind, but his cross eluded everyone with the goal exposed.
From there New Zealand gradually settled into their work. Peru monopolised possession, but the All Whites had their moments, with Cacace and Garbett prominent.
Hay was urging patience on the sideline, but New Zealand's shape meant the wide players could get isolated.
An alert Sail tipped away a goal bound cross, as Peru upped the ante. They were unlucky not to take the lead from the corner, with Victor Flores smashing a 25 metre half volley against the crossbar.
That roused the crowd, and Peru started to find more space from deep runs, forcing Sail out of goal for some timely interventions.
The All Whites' best first half moment came in the 43rd minute, with Greive stinging the palms of the Peruvian keeper. The move started after Garbett won possession near halfway. Cacace then found Wood, who directed the ball back to the St Mirren striker, for a clean first time shot.
Clayton Lewis (Stamenic) and Nando Pijnaker (Smith) came on after halftime. The All Whites enjoyed a flurry of half chances just after the break, with Cacace combining well with Wood on the edge of the area, before Bell just failed to find the Newcastle striker with an angled through ball.
Some of the first time passing was a sight to behold, as the All Whites began to find their groove, looking to play forward more.
Payne replaced Tuiloma in the 67th minute, as Peru rang the changes, before the goal out of nowhere. It was a nightmare moment for Sail – who took a heavy touch from a Tim Payne back pass - allowing Lapadula an easy task.
Peru went close minutes later, with a shot deflected onto the post.
By that stage Waine and Kosta Barbarouses were also introduced, for Wood and Greive respectively.
Waine almost made an immediate impact, sliding in to convert a Cacace cross, but was judged marginally offside, in a tight call.
The All Whites pushed until the end, with Cacace snapping a right foot shot, but Peru held on for the result they craved.
All Whites 0
Peru 1 (Gianluca Lapadula 69')
Halftime 0-0
