2019 finalists Peru look to surprise again at the CONMEBOL Copa America
2021-06-12
Argentine Ricardo Gareca‘s 2019 finalists await the return of Paolo Guerrera to upset the odds once again with another Copa America title challenge.
In the previous CONMEBOL Copa America they built a really organized, effective team around the long-standing key national stars which took them all the way to the final where they were ultimately beaten by Brazil.
The hosts would eventually put an end to Gareca’s Copa America dream but Peru really showed their quality in the tournament, eliminating a very strong Uruguay side and then emphatically beating reigning Copa America champions Chile 3-0 in the semi final.
The 2019 final was only the third continental final in Peru’s history, having won the title previously in 1939 and 1975.
A return to the final and potentially going one better in 2021 will be even more difficult. Hugely influential striker Paolo Guerrero is the third highest scorer in the history of the tournament with 14 and was top scorer in 2019 but will not be available for Peru because of injury.
Without Guerrero Peru struggled in the 4 competitive games played in 2020. They lost 3 games and drew 1 of their first 2022 World Cup qualifiers which meant they were in joint-last place at the start of 2021.
This worrying form continued with a 3-0 loss to Colombia but despite Guerrero’s absence against Ecuador they secured an impressive 2-1 away win to bring renewed confidence.
Defender Luis Abram, Vélez Sarsfield, and the central midfield Miguel pair of Miguel Trauco, Saint-Étienne, and Renato Tapia, Celta, are key in providing Peru’s solid foundation. Creative playmaker Christian Cueva, now playing in Saudi Arabia, will create the openings for energetic Gianluca Lapadula or Santiago Ormeño, both naturalized Peruvians, in attack.
Peru begin their CONMEBOL Copa America journey on 17 June against Brazil at the Estádio Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro. They then face Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela in their remaining games in Group B.uela são os demais adversários no Grupo B.
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