Peruvian national team

The five keys to the Peruvian national team's victory over Chile

After 44 years, the White and Red team will play a Copa America final again

I love Peru. When someone dares to tell us that we don't have a team or players who sweat the white and red jersey, and that we shouldn't believe in our national team; we must show them, time and time again, the video of the match against Chile. Because classics are meant to be played with soul, heart, and life, just like the 22 players of the Peruvian national team and the coaching staff led by Ricardo Gareca did last night.

When someone tells us that everything we achieved was just luck, from the qualifiers, let's show them the numbers of the 'Tiger', the points and goals obtained, but above all, let's bring out the Peruvian pride and shout to those unbelievers that this Peru is already historic.

1. Pressure

Match after match in the Copa America, we saw Ricardo Gareca desperately shouting from the technical area to his players to press, not allowing the opponents to play comfortably, and against Chile, his players followed the plan precisely. Tapia, Yotún, Cueva, Flores, Trauco, Advíncula, Abram, and Zambrano breathed down the necks of Sanchez, Vargas, and Vidal, not giving them any space. They frustrated them and took them out of the game with calmness and intelligence.

2. Effectiveness

From the initial whistle, Peru poured into Chilean territory, played the ball with precision, and played them on equal terms. The mission? Simple, to reach Arias' area with collective play and effectiveness. At 21' and 38', the Peruvian national team struck the "champion of America" and sent them to the canvas. At 91', Guerrero left the Chilean goalkeeper behind and put it in the net, but before that, he told the Chileans "the national captain passed through here".

3. Saint Peter

"Football gives you second chances", that's what they told Pedro Gallese after the match against Brazil. Hurt in his pride and being the target of criticism, the goalkeeper put on the hero suit against Uruguay and had his best match of the Copa America against Chile. He saved everything, even a penalty from Eduardo Vargas, and repeated to the Chileans that nothing and no one could take the final ticket away from us. Football gives you second chances, Pedro, and Sunday is yours.

4. Concentration

Advíncula, Abram, Zambrano, and Trauco shined in the Arena do Gremio. Correct, sober, and above all, focused throughout the match. They cut off the attempts of Sanchez and Vargas to shoot at Gallese. Without falling into the opponent's provocations, without falling for the fakes, and putting their bodies on the line when necessary. The defensive line last night was one of the highlights of the Peruvian national team and received applause from the fans.

5. Effective substitutions

Ricardo Gareca has already shown that he is a coach who knows how to read the before and during the match. Against Chile, he sent out an aggressive team, but correctly defensive, without mistakes. But the 'Tiger' had to have one or three aces up his sleeve to oxygenate the midfield and provide fresh alternatives. Gonzales, Polo, and Ballón were his three chosen ones to fight for qualification. Accurate changes that responded well and proved their worth in a finalist team.

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