Peru welcomes Uruguay for a crucial World Cup qualifying match in South America, with the hosts desperately seeking points to avoid being left behind in the race for qualification. Uruguay, on the other hand, is looking to build on their impressive form.
Match Overview
Uruguay, managed by Marcelo Bielsa, has made a strong start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, having already secured victories over both Argentina and Brazil. Despite a disappointing exit in the Copa America semi-finals, Bielsa’s side remains confident about qualifying for their fifth consecutive World Cup. With a solid defensive record and the continent’s top scoring record, Uruguay looks poised to continue their success.
Conversely, Peru finds itself in dire straits, sitting at the bottom of the CONMEBOL standings with just three points from seven matches. After reaching the World Cup in 2018 and finishing as runners-up in the Copa America in 2019, the Blanquirroja are struggling to find form. They’ve managed only two goals in qualifying so far, and recent losses have highlighted their difficulties.
Recent Form
– Peru World Cup Qualifying Form:
– L 0-1 vs. Ecuador
– D 1-1 vs. Colombia
– L 0-2 vs. Brazil
– L 0-1 vs. Argentina
– L 1-3 vs. Chile
– Uruguay World Cup Qualifying Form:
– D 0-0 vs. Paraguay
– D 0-0 vs. Venezuela
– W 3-0 vs. Argentina
– W 2-1 vs. Brazil
– L 0-1 vs. Colombia
Team News
Peru:
Peru’s head coach Jorge Fossati faces significant challenges with a number of key players unavailable. Record cap holder Yoshimar Yotun is out long-term, and Renato Tapia has been ruled out due to injury. Defensive options Miguel Trauco and Anderson Santamaria are also sidelined. In response, Fossati has recalled 35-year-old Horatio Calcaterra, who will add experience to a squad that includes young talents like Santiago Ormeno and Gianluca Lapadula.
Uruguay:
Uruguay’s squad is also affected by suspensions and injuries. Luis Suarez has retired from international football, leaving a significant void in attack. Rodrigo Bentancur is serving a suspension, while Jose Maria Gimenez and Matias Olivera are also unavailable due to their respective bans. However, Darwin Nunez will be available after having part of his suspension temporarily lifted, adding firepower to the squad alongside Federico Valverde and Gaston Pereiro.
Possible Lineups
Peru:
– Goalkeeper: Gallesse
– Defenders: M. Araujo, Zambrano, Callens
– Midfielders: Advincula, Cartagena, Calcaterra, Pena, Lopez
– Forwards: Valera, Flores
Uruguay:
– Goalkeeper: Rochet
– Defenders: Nandez, Varela, Bueno, Saracchi
– Midfielders: Valverde, Ugarte, De Arrascaeta
– Forwards: Pellistri, Nunez, M. Araujo
