Copa America 2015 Preview: Peru
Overview
Peru was the surprise package of the 2011 Copa America, reaching the semifinals before ultimately succumbing to eventual champions Uruguay and settling for a third-place finish.
To believe they can accomplish a similar feat this time around, though, would require optimism - or perhaps ignorance - of the highest order.
Manager Ricardo Gareca and company head into this competition with a squad that, while talented - if aging - going forward, doesn't inspire any confidence whatsoever at the back. The fact that they have been drawn in Group C alongside Brazil and Colombia, two attacking juggernauts, only compounds that concern.
If Peru is going to reach the knockout stages, they'll do so as one of the best third-place finishers in the group.
Group Stage Schedule
| Date | Match | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 - 06 - 14 | Brazil vs. Peru | 18:30 | Estadio Municipal Bicentenario Germán Becker |
| 2015 - 06 - 18 | Peru vs. Venezuela | 20:30 | Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander |
| 2015 - 06 - 21 | Colombia vs. Peru | 16:00 | Estadio Municipal Bicentenario Germán Becker |
All times are listed in local time
Projected Starting XI
(4-2-3-1): Pedro Gallese; Yoshimar Yotun, Christian Ramos, Carlos Zambrano, Luis Advincula; Josepmir Ballon, Carlos Ascues; Juan Manuel Vargas, Andre Carrillo, Jefferson Farfan; Paolo Guerrero
One of the most top-heavy teams in the tournament, Peru will rely on their impressive attacking quartet to offset what looks to be an underwhelming collection of defenders - aside from Carlos Zambrano.
With Andre Carrillo and veteran Jefferson Farfan on the wings supporting Paolo Guerrero, who was the top scorer at this tournament four years ago, expect plenty of attacking play down the wings that end with crosses looking for the head of the bustling 31-year-old center-forward.
El Capitan
Claudio Pizarro, now 36, is back for another shot at continental glory, though the Bayern Munich striker is unlikely to start most matches thanks to the presence of Guerrero.
Pizarro has never quite been able to translate his impressive club scoring form onto the international stage, where he has just 19 goals in 71 appearances for his country, and will likely be expected to provide a spark off the bench when his side is in need of a late goal - a scenario which looks inevitable given the presence of Brazil and Colombia in the group.
The Star
As alluded to above, much of this team's hopes rest on the heavily-inked shoulders of Paolo Guerrero, who will need to be a one-man wrecking crew up front for La Blanquirroja.
Guerrero has revitalized his career in Brazil, starring with Corinthians and securing a move to Flamengo ahead of the upcoming season.
What better way to waltz into a new locker room than with a few goals against some of the continents best teams in tow?
The Young Gun
In the absence of Real Madrid youth star Cristian Benavente, who did not make the final squad, we'll shift our attention to Sporting Lisbon winger Andre Carrillo.
The 23-year-old, who possesses an abundance of both pace and dribbling ability, will be a focal point of Peru's counterattack.
Burning Questions
- If Guerrero isn't able to replicate his tournament-leading scoring performance from four years ago, where, exactly, are the goals going to come from?
- After domestic seasons in which they were either bench-ridden or hampered by injuries, how much of an impact will Juan Manuel Vargas and Jefferson Farfan have for the Peruvians?
- Does this team have enough of a presence in central midfield to not get overrun against its more illustrious opponents?
Odds and Ends
Nickname: La Blanquirroja
Most caps: Roberto Palacios (128)
Top scorer: Teofilo Cubillas (26)
Best Copa America result: Champions (1939, 1975)