Juan Reynoso, coach of the Peruvian national team, highlighted the debut of Joao Grimaldo, forward for Sporting Cristal, with the white and red jersey in a match of the Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup against a tough opponent like Brazil. The game ended 1-0 in favor of 'Scratch'.
WATCH HERE: Paolo Guerrero on defeat against Brazil in the final minutes: "It's a bit bitter" | VIDEO
In a press conference after the 1-0 defeat against Brazil, the coach of the Peruvian national team indicated that Grimaldo had trouble settling in during the first few minutes, but later showed his "confidence" and his experience living in the Rímac neighborhood.
“We have all been weighed down by a moment like this, and it took Joao five or seven minutes to settle, just like any experienced player would, and then he brought the whole Rímac neighborhood, all that confidence, and he is surely a project that in the short or medium term will end up playing for important teams,” said Reynoso.
READ HERE: Peru vs Brazil: Marquinhos gives 'Scratch' the victory in the final minutes of the match | VIDEO
Joao Grimaldo replaced Andy Polo in the match against Brazil and thus made his official debut with the Peruvian national team jersey.