No team in Russia has had to wait as long. It was after a drought of 36 years that Peru qualified for the World Cup.
From the South American leg of qualifiers, it never was going to be easy for the Peruvians to come through. After finishing fifth at the CONMEBOL round-robin, they had to settle for an inter-confederation play-off with New Zealand. They won 2-0 in the final leg at home after a goalless draw away and became the last team to qualify.
Remarkably, they did it without the services of their inspirational captain Paolo Guerrero, who was suspended after failing a drugs test. His absence is no doubt a blow; he had already scored six goals in the qualifiers before the ban (Peru’s president as well as the rival captains in Group C have sought the repeal).
- Nickname: La Blanquirroja (The White and Red)
- Appearances: 4 (1930, 1970, 1978, 1982)
- Best finish: Quarterfinals (1970)
- FIFA ranking: 11
- Coach: Ricardo Gareca
But, Jefferson Farfan and Edison Flores, too, are capable of finding the net often enough, as they did in the qualifying phase. There is quality in midfield (Christian Cueva, Andre Carrillo and Yoshimar Yotun) defence (Alberto Rodriguez and Miguel Trauco) and at the goal (Pedro Gallese) as well.
France and Denmark could make life difficult for Peru, but progressing to the second round need not be a mission impossible.
The goal-poacher: Jefferson Farfan
After he scored the goal that put Peru on the plane to Russia, Farfan covered his head with the jersey of his suspended teammate and close friend, Guerrero. It would be difficult for anyone to fill the boots of the country’s all-time leading scorer, but the expectations from the coach and others are high. “Farfan can out-jump any defence in the world,” said Gareca.
The 33-year-old knows a thing or two about playing in Russia too, having moved to FC Lokomotiv Moscow last year. He scored 11 goals to help his new team regain the Russian Premier League title after 14 years.
The orchestrator: Christian Cueva
He was the architect of the crucial goal Farfan scored against New Zealand, as he ran on the left flank, dribbled, duped the defence and cut into the box before releasing an excellent pass. In Russia, Peru will be banking heavily on Cueva to create chances like that. He is quick, strong and imaginative.
Those skills have also helped the 26-year-old attacking midfielder of Sao Paulo score goals himself consistently. He was on target four times during the qualifiers.
Coach quote
“We have a very difficult group. But we can beat any of our rivals, despite the absence of Paolo Guerrero. We are going to be prepared for the maximum of demands and we are going to resolve all the possible inconveniences that present themselves.” - Ricardo Gareca
Did you know?
Gareca, an Argentine, was responsible for ending Peru's dream of qualifying for the 1986 World Cup when he scored the goal that gave his side a 2-2 draw and the top spot in the CONMEBOL Group 1. Three decades later, as coach of the Peruvian team, the villain has turned a hero.
Number stat:
3 - The number of times the Peruvians played and lost to the eventual champion at the World Cup.
Opening fixtures (Group C):
June 16 vs. Denmark
June 21 vs. France
June 26 vs. Australia
