Peruvian National Team Ends 2021 with a Smile
The Peruvian National Team finishes 2021 with a smile from ear to ear after the spectacular comeback in the Qatar 2022 Qualifiers. They currently sit in fifth place with 17 points and have high chances of going to the World Cup. Ricardo Gareca experienced good and bad moments with the team this year in an emotional rollercoaster. How did this happen?
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Throughout the competition months, the Peruvian National Team played a total of 17 games this year, accumulating 8 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws. These matches took place during the Copa America Brazil 2021 and the Qatar 2022 Qualifiers.
Ricardo Gareca managed to recover from a rough start by suffering a 3-0 defeat against Colombia in Lima. He then managed to bounce back by winning 2-1 against Ecuador in Quito, who are currently third in the Qatar 2022 Qualifiers. Without a doubt, it is during tense moments that the Peruvian team has achieved their greatest victories.
The same story repeated itself in the last two matches, where Peru defeated Bolivia 3-0 with goals from Gianluca Lapadula, Sergio Peña, and Christian Cueva. They also won 2-1 against Venezuela in Caracas, with goals from Gianluca Lapadula and Christian Cueva. Both players have been key for Ricardo Gareca.
Peruvian National Team in 2021
| Matches | Result |
| Peru - Colombia | 0-3 |
| Ecuador - Peru | 1-2 |
| Brazil - Peru | 4-0 |
| Colombia - Peru | 1-2 |
| Ecuador - Peru | 2-2 |
| Venezuela - Peru | 0-1 |
| Peru - Paraguay | 3-3 (4-3) |
| Brazil - Peru | 1-0 |
| Colombia - Peru | 3-2 |
| Peru - Uruguay | 1-1 |
| Peru - Venezuela | 1-0 |
| Brazil - Peru | 2-0 |
| Peru - Chile | 2-0 |
| Bolivia - Peru | 1-0 |
| Argentina - Peru | 1-0 |
| Peru - Bolivia | 3-0 |
| Venezuela - Peru | 1-2 |
Peruvian National Team: Colombia Crushed Our Dreams
During the 2021 Copa America held in Brazil, the Peruvian National Team reached the final stages. From June 13th to July 10th, the country held high hopes for Ricardo Gareca's team. Peru suffered a 4-0 defeat against Brazil in the debut match, but then improved their performance by defeating Venezuela and Colombia, and drawing against Ecuador.
In the quarterfinals, they struggled to beat Paraguay in a dramatic 3-3 match, eventually winning 4-3 on penalties. In the semifinals, they lost 1-0 to Brazil, and in the match for third place, they suffered a tough 3-2 defeat against Colombia in the last minute.
Peruvian National Team: Paolo Guerrero and a Painful Absence
Paolo Guerrero is the number 9 of the Peruvian National Team. His dedication to the team is unquestionable, but as a result, he suffered a knee injury during the match against Chile at the National Stadium. The 37-year-old Peruvian player pushed himself too hard and is now undergoing knee treatment.
Paolo Guerrero is currently without a club after leaving SC Internacional to focus on his knee treatment. It is expected that the 'Depredador' will be available to play against Colombia in January for the Qatar 2022 Qualifiers.