FIFA World Cup 2018: Statistical Analysis Of Peru

Peru made their way back to the FIFA World Cup after a 36-year hiatus and the number eleventh side in the world is charged up to showcase their talent at the biggest stage of them all.

World Cup History:

This is going to be the South American nation’s fifth appearance in the World Cup. They have twice reached the quarter-final stage of the tournament when they did in 1970 and 1978. They made their first appearance in the 1930 World Cup and the last was in the 1982 edition in Spain.

Analysis:

Peru got probably the best news they could’ve when they got to know that their star striker and captain Paolo Guerrero has got a ban lifted and can take part in the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. He is also the leading goalscorer for his country.

Peru will be led by their Argentian coach Ricardo Gareca who was given the command in 2015 by the management. He delivered on the promise of taking the team to the World Cup and did so on the back of some swashbuckling performances by his side.

The country is in dire need of some presence on the international football scene as last tournament victory came in Copa America in 1975, a competition they’ve won twice. They have also won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2000 where they were invited as guests.

Peru like their compatriot South American nations have a flamboyant style of play and defeated New Zealand in their pursuit of qualifying for the World Cup.

With the likes of Jefferson Farfan and Edinson Flores to support their captain Guerrero, Peru is expected to put on entertaining performances in the upcoming tournaments.

Peru is clubbed in Group C with France, Denmark and Australia.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Brad 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).

Peru National Football Team. Photo Courtesy: Soccer.com

Probable Playing XI:

Gallese, Advincula, Ramos, Rodriguez, Trauco, Tapia, Yotun, Carrillo, Farfan, Cueva, Guerrero (C)

Key Players:

Paolo Guerrero, Jefferson Farfan, Christian Ramos

ALSO READ: FIFA World Cup 2018: Statistical Analysis Of Australia

Interesting Tidbit:

Peru’s captain Paolo Guerrero would have a chip on his shoulder as he was banned for six months by FIFA after being tested positive for cocaine and metabolite in December 2017.