A midfield workhorse, a set piece specialist and a rising star. FFTA takes a closer look at some of the players that the Socceroos will come up against in Russia.
PERU
FIFA Ranking: 12th
How They Qualified
La Blanquirroja were the dark horses in the South American qualifying group, as they reached their first World Cup since 1982. Peru finished above Chile and Paraguay before edging past New Zealand 2-0 on aggregate in a play-off.
Led by former Boca Juniors manager Ricardo Gareca, Peru scored an impressive 27 goals in 18 matches (only Brazil and Uruguay netted more). At times their free-flowing football came at a cost, though, as they conceded 26 times throughout the campaign. Even so, their disciplined performances against the All Whites showed us that Peru can keep things tight at the back when push comes to shove.
Greatest World Cup Moment
Qualifying for the knockout stages of the 1970 tournament in Mexico before losing 4-2 to Pele’s Brazil in the quarter-finals. Peru finished second in their group to West Germany, following victories over Bulgaria and Morocco.
Key Player: Edison Flores
The agile playmaker scored five times in qualifying, including a winner against Uruguay and the opening goals in crucial games against Bolivia and Ecuador. The 23-year-old, who is currently plying his trade at Danish club Aalborg BK, can operate on either flank or behind the striker. At 5 ft 7, Flores’ agility and creativity will be key for Peru.
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