Although it is true that the Peruvian national team depends on itself to secure a place in the playoffs for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the Paraguayan squad will seek to complicate their journey, trying to close their participation in the Estadio Nacional de Lima in these South American qualifiers with a victory. As part of the delegation that could "ruin the party" for Peru, a familiar face from the local football will be returning to the country.
The character in question, who played for Alianza Lima in the 2005 season, is Gustavo Barros Schelotto, brother of the Albirroja coach, Guillermo, and his assistant in the team. The 'Mellizo' has been part of the Paraguayan national team's coaching staff since 2021, although the results have not been favorable.
Regarding his stay at Alianza Lima, it was brief and unproductive, as he only played six matches and did not score any goals. Due to his poor performance, he lasted less than six months and left along with the then coach Rubén Darío Insúa.
Gustavo Barros Schelotto lasted less than a year at Alianza Lima. Photo: GLR
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After retiring from football, he started a new career as an assistant coach to Gregorio Pérez, former coach of Universitario. Since 2012, he has been working alongside his brother Guillermo and has worked for clubs like Lanús, Palermo, Boca Juniors, and Los Angeles Galaxy, until recently joining Paraguay.
Referee for the Peru vs. Paraguay match
For this decisive match on the final day of the qualifiers, CONMEBOL has appointed Argentinean Fernando Rapallini as the referee at the Estadio Nacional. The 43-year-old referee will be accompanied on the field by his compatriots Diego Bonifa, Maximiliano del Yesso, and Fernando Espinoza, while Mauro Vigliano, Rodrigo Guarizo, and Héctor Baldassi, also from Argentina, will be in charge of the VAR.