Peru road to Russia 2018 World Cup
After a tragic 36-year-long absence, the Incas are finally back at the World Cup with a renewed team and fresh candor, ready to do battle with the globe's best. The 11th ranked team of FIFA's prestigious list overcame its South American competition with not just a little bit of help on the side of destiny, as they were awarded a post-game win to Bolivia after a sudden disqualification that was followed by some successes, culminating with the utter defeat of across-the-ocean New Zealand during the play-offs. Peru has been placed in Group C alongside top-favorite France, Denmark and Australia. Check Peru Betting Odds here.
Ever since Argentinean-born Ricardo Gareca took over the direction of the Peruvian team back on 2015, he's lifted the fallen spirits of national fandom with a younger cast of competent players, that is characterized by better possession of the ball and effective close range passes. Notwithstanding the recent improvements, Peru had to make use of every trick at their disposal to secure their entry into the Russian World Cup. A 2-0 defeat to Bolivia in September of 2016 was reverted in favor of the Incas when the FIFA authorities deemed Nelson Cabrera as ineligible, resulting in positive outcomes for both Gareca's and the Chilean squad. In August, Peru is able to prove its worth by beating Bolivia once more with a 2-1 score at home, followed by a single-goal tie with Colombia that resulted from yet another lucky instance, when the Cafeteros goalkeeper Ospina slightly touched the ball sent his way by Paolo Guerrero. Two head-to-head matches with Oceania's New Zealand provided the required number of points for the qualification with a draw at the Kiwi residence and a 2-0 victory at Lima.
Peru has snatched two wins in its recent two friendly encounters: firstly to Croatia with a 2-0 score and later -also in March of the present year- to Ireland, who succumbed 3-1. They have arranged another three matches for the month of June with Scotland, Saudi Arabia and Sweden, in the exact same order. Peru's World Cup run will commence with a game versus Denmark on the 16th of June, then, they will face the toughest challenge of their group when they match strengths with the French squad. Lastly, Australia comes to the fray on June 26th. Gareca will need to find the best possible arrangement for his top keys in order to survive the two initial stints, and if he succeeds with his strategy, a victory over the Socceroos is mandatory in order to move on to the next phase.
Peru Key Players
Captain Paolo Guerrero was forced to step out during the Kiwi play-offs due to failed drug test, having been efficiently covered by forward Jefferson Farfan, but a callback is widely expected for the veteran player. Pedro Gallese and fellow gate keeper Carlos Caceda will take turns at the goal post; Miguel Araujo, Cristian Ramos, Luis Abram and Anderson Santamaria will be among the designated names to ward off their enemies' attacks while Paolo Guerrero will join Farfan and Raul Ruidiaz at the front. The major concern for the Peruvian team stems from the relative inexperience of its players, which may play to their disadvantage when confronted with more seasoned and professional rivals. The Incas are half-way positioned in the World Cup betting odds by most reputable sportsbooks, with prizes averaging 150 and 250 to 1.
Keep up with the best soccer action and find all the best Russia 2018 World Cup betting odds at SKYBOOK.ag, available throughout the entire competition, including odds on each and every game, plus outright winner, group stage and individual player proposition bets. Make sure to stock up your account in time for this massive event and take advantage of our special promotions.
