The most read sports stories of 2017 - No.10 Peru victory against All Whites marred by 'disgusting act'

A screengrab of All Whites goalkeeper Stefan Marinobvic during the playoff match in Lima. Photo / Twitter

2017 produced a year full of weird and wonderful sports stories that have dominated headlines at the New Zealand Herald.

Here's the 10th 'most clicked' sports story by you, the readers, from the past 12 months.

Peru victory against All Whites marred by 'disgusting act'

Looking to secure their place in their first FIFA World Cup in 36 years, Peru went to extreme lengths to make sure their national side qualified for football's biggest event ahead of the All Whites in November.

Heading into the second leg of their inter-continental play-off tied with Anthony Hudson's men at 0-0, the Peruvians set off an ear-splitting fireworks display outside the All Whites' hotel in Lima at 3am, before flying three military jets at extremely low levels over the hotel in an act of intimidation.

Furthermore, lasers were aimed towards All Whites players Bill Tuiloma and Stefan Marinovic during the second leg of the play-off at Estadio Nacional.

As we all now know, Peru went on to win the playoff 2-0, and will go on to face France, Australia and Denmark in Group C of next year's World Cup in Russia.

Honourable mentions:

How Malakai Fekitoa had his future stolen
All Black Brodie Retallick considered tackling streaker during test match
'You dummies': US TV host Joe Rogan slams haka
Are Oracle Team USA set to launch a protest on Team New Zealand?
Aaron Smith sex scandal erupts again - was ABs management misled?