With the 2018 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, I will be taking a look at some of the teams that one may overlook, but that are capable of surprising at the greatest show on earth.
It may come as news to some, but I had Peru pegged to do damage at the World Cup as early as last year when they showed some solid results in the notoriously difficult South American (CONMEBOL) World Cup Qualifiers. Peru showed great tenacity during qualifying, splitting the points twice with Argentina, hammering Paraguay and crucially coming from behind to snare a point against Colombia in the final qualifier to force a playoff with New Zealand. .
In the final "winner take all" two legged playoff against the Kiwi's, Peru were content to play out a 0-0 draw in Auckland, New Zealand, before heading home to Lima where Estadio Nacional del Peru saw them dominate from the get go, culminating in an early goal to Jefferson Farfan before Christian Ramos made it a mere formality mid way through the second half.
Since then, Peru have continued to impress in friendlies, boasting wins against Croatia (2-0), Iceland (3-1), Scotland (2-0) and most recently a 3-0 drubbing over Saudi Arabia in a match that announced the return of Peru's most decorated international player, Captain Paolo Guerrero.
Peru will face France, Australia and Denmark in one of the toughest groups of the World Cup, but don't be surprised if they cause even the likes of France some problems, and make it past the group stages and beyond.
Que Viva Peru.
Regards,
@gio6Football Commentator | Analyst
PERTH, WESTERN AUST RALIA