Let’s remember what happened.
Date 9 of the Russia 2018 Qualifiers was going to be played and Peru arrived at the duel against Argentina in a situation of need: with just 7 points (later the TAS declared it the winner of the match against Bolivia in La Paz and gave it three more points ) and with Gareca questioned for the poor results. The bicolor had collected 29% of the points at stake until then, the product of two wins, five losses and one draw. The panorama had to change and the ‘Tigre’ took a risk: in the absence of André Carrillo, the coach opted for Cristian Benavente as the starter, who occupied the right wing and had a sacrificial role. The ‘Chaval’ showed enthusiasm, but had complications and was substituted at the beginning of the second half.
The one who entered was Beto Da Silva, the score was 0-1 in favor of Argentina and Peru reacted. Paolo Guerrero scored the 1-1 and created the penalty that Christian Cueva later took for a goal for the final 2-2. The bicolor had a good performance, proposed her best game at times and knew how to find the rival goal; but it was not enough for him to win. And if we go into detail, up to six footballers who were there on that occasion could repeat the dish this Tuesday: Pedro Gallese, Aldo Corzo, Miguel Trauco, Yoshimar Yotún, Renato Tapia and Guerrero.
- This was Peru’s eleven in the 2-2 draw against Argentina
- The possible eleven of Peru against Argentina this Tuesday
But let’s take it line by line and how much the team changed. There is nothing new in the arc. Gallese is the owner of the Peruvian portico, but unlike 2016, ‘Octopus’ is at a better level. With greater experience, filming and performance, the ‘1’ of the bicolor will face the match against Argentina with the same responsibility as always: he is a guarantee of safety and hopes to finish with his undefeated record at the National Stadium.
In defense, there is a total change of names. Before, the stronghold in that area was Alberto Rodríguez; Today, the one who would take the place of ‘Mudo’ is Luis Abram, who plays for Atlanta United in the MLS and rarely alternates as a starter in the national team. There are differences in hierarchy and experience between the two, but in the same way the ‘Prophet’ tries to fulfill a good role. If we talk about the player with the most defensive skills on the Reynoso team, that is Luis Advíncula. And from his area as a right back, he will try to push his teammates to get a good result against Argentina. Of course, ‘Cabezón’ also has the option of including Renato Tapia as a center back, since the Celta player is recovered and would be a starter.
In the midfield, the presence of Yotún stands out. Although the left-handed midfielder is not in his ‘prime’, he is still important for Reynoso’s scheme. ‘Yoshi’ was key for Gareca in the past and he is also key today with the new coach, although he is no longer in the best version of himself. He is the lung of the bicolor and it is crucial that he is fine against the albicelestes to have scoring options. The rest of the players that make up that area are new: Cartagena, Polo and Zanelatto occupy the places that were previously Flores, Cueva and Benavente. The first three are trying to consolidate themselves in the bicolor, something that ‘Orejas’ and ‘Aladino’ did achieve.
In attack, it seems that Guerrero is our only hope for a goal. No matter when this is said, Paolo is always there to support. Without a doubt, his level on the way to Russia 2018 is far above what he shows today, but his presence on the team gives hierarchy to this selection. It is true that the captain is no longer the same as before; However, he commands respect on the court and infects his teammates. He is a leader, a guide, the different one on offense. He scored against Argentina in 2016 and today he will try to do the same. He will be accompanied by André Carrillo to attempt the epic at the National Stadium.
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