Raúl Ruidíaz, one of the big surprises in coach Juan Reynoso's first call-up, played another match with the national team. The striker entered the field of the Rose Bowl stadium in the United States around the 70th minute of the Peru vs. Mexico, taking Gianluca Lapadula's place.
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Before this Saturday, the forward had played his last match with the national team on September 9, 2021. On that day, the 'Pulga' had minutes in the 2-0 defeat against Brazil in the framework of the World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers. Moreover, Ricardo Gareca did not call the player again for the final stretch of the qualifiers, nor for the early-year friendlies, and much less for the playoff against Australia.
Without 'Tigre' Gareca on the bench of the national team, 'Cabezón' Reynoso expressed in his presentations to the media that he has the best references of Ruidíaz. In fact, the national coach had already coached the '9' during his time at Universitario de Deportes, and they even became champions in 2009.
So, a few weeks ago, the 'Ajedrecista' renewed his trust in Raúl in the 'team of all'. Thus, for the clash against Mexico, the striker appeared among the substitutes wearing the number 30. In the second half, the Seattle Sounders player took Gianluca Lapadula's place and had 20 minutes to show himself.
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From September 9, 2021, to this Saturday, September 24, a total of 380 days (one year and 15 days) have passed for Ruidíaz to play again with the national team. And, if the trend continues, he should be considered for the process that includes the World Cup 2026 qualifiers and the 2024 Copa America.
When does the Peruvian national team play again?
After facing the Mexican team, which will be in the World Cup Qatar 2022, the team managed by Juan Reynoso will have another friendly match. The game will take place on Tuesday, September 27, from 7 p.m. (local time), against the El Salvador national team at the Audi Field stadium located in Washington D.C., United States.