World Cup preview: Peru
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Peru‘s World Cup history dates all the way back to the very first edition of the tournament, and they are one of only seven surviving nations from that 1930 competition who will also be appearing at Russia 2018.
Qualification for the grandest stage in football has been sporadic at best since then – indeed this is their first showing since 1982 – but they will be hoping to make up for lost time this summer.
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A disruptive buildup to the tournament has seen captain and record goalscorer Paolo Guerrero ruled out of and then back into contention after a drugs ban which was initially reduced from 12 months to six, then increased to 14 and finally lifted while his appeal is considered.
Here, Sports Mole assesses Peru’s chances at this summer’s World Cup.
GROUP
Peru will not be expected to challenge for top spot in Group C – due mostly to the presence of Euro 2016 runners-up France – but they may fancy their chances of vying for second place ahead of Australia and Denmark.
Both the Aussies and the Danes – like Peru – needed a playoff to reach the tournament, and the South Americans are rated higher than either in the latest FIFA rankings.
An opening match against Denmark – who are just one place behind them in those rankings – could set the tone for the remainder of their tournament, before facing France and then Australia in their other two group games.
PERU FIXTURES
June 16: Peru vs Denmark (5pm, Mordovia Arena, Saransk)
June 21: France vs. Peru (4pm, Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg)
June 26: Australia vs. Peru (3pm, Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi)
HOW THEY QUALIFIED
The South American section for World Cup qualifying was about as close as it could get, with just four points separating second place from seventh heading into the final round of matches.
The likes of Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Chile and Paraguay were all in the mix alongside Peru, who went into their final game against Colombia sitting fifth – a spot which was enough for them to qualify for the playoff round.
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Results ultimately went their way as an own goal from David Ospina 14 minutes from time gave Peru the goal they needed to hang on to fifth place courtesy of a 1-1 draw with Colombia, who also qualified as Chile and Paraguay missed out.
It was a six-match unbeaten streak at the end of qualifying which ultimately saw La Blanquirroja over the line, recovering from a poor start which saw them win just one and lose four of their opening six games.
There was still an intercontinental playoff to negotiate, though, and Peru became the 32nd and final team to confirm their place in Russia with a 2-0 aggregate victory over New Zealand.
RECENT FORM
Peru may have only qualified by the skin of their teeth, but they will arrive in Russia with one of the most impressive unbeaten streaks at the tournament having gone 15 games without defeat.
Indeed, Peru have only conceded one goal in their last seven outings, and since booking their place at Russia 2018 they have won four games and drawn one.
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A goalless draw with Sweden with exactly a week to go until the start of their campaign may have just quelled the optimism amongst fans a little, although they had the right to enjoy growing momentum following a five-match winning streak prior to that.
Indeed, Peru have already beaten three fellow World Cup participants this calendar year, recording a 2-0 victory over Croatia, a 3-1 triumph over Iceland and a 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia, in addition to a 2-0 success against Scotland.
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Pedro Gallese (Veracruz), Carlos Caceda (Deportivo Municipal), Jose Carvallo (UTC).
Defenders: Aldo Corzo (Universitario), Luis Advincula (Lobos Buap), Christian Ramos (Veracruz), Miguel Araujo (Alianza Lima), Alberto Rodriguez (Atletico Junior), Anderson Santamaria (Puebla), Miguel Trauco (Flamengo), Nilson Loyola (Melgar).
Midfielders: Renato Tapia (Feyenoord), Pedro Aquino (Leon), Yoshimar Yotun (Orlando City), Paolo Hurtado (Vitoria Guimaraes), Christian Cueva (Sao Paulo), Edison Flores (Aalborg), Andy Polo (Portland Timbers), Wilder Cartagena (Veracruz).
Forwards: Andre Carrillo (Benfica), Raul Ruidiaz (Morelia), Jefferson Farfan (Lokomotiv Moscow), Paolo Guerrero (Flamengo).
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