Peru Exit World Cup With Heads Held High

Peru Exit World Cup With Heads Held High
15:30, 28 Jun 2018

Peru have been eliminated from the World Cup but won many friends with their Russian displays.

Peru suffered close losses to Denmark and France by a solitary goal, knocking them out of the tournament, but they finished the group stage on a high with a 2-0 win over Australia. The Incas were incredibly unfortunate in losing to the Danes, in a game where they missed a penalty and many other chances, and also matched the French well.

But they gave their fanatical followers a grand finale with a victory in Sochi. It was the country’s first World Cup win since 1978. Peru coach Richardo Gareca was very pleased with his team.

“It is a joyful feeling,” he said.

“We lost two matches but returned to victory and that is no small feat, but we did expect something bigger in the grand scheme of things. I'd like to congratulate my players because it was a very difficult match from a psychological point of view.

“We played against a team who is a tough, very strong and physical team and they could qualify so their players made a huge effort. In the stadium we had all of these people supporting us. We went in with greater expectations, however, if we look at how we played I think Peru emerges from a World Cup with its head held high.”

Andre Carillo got the ball rolling for the Incas in the first half against the Socceroos with a terrific volley. Carillo’s strike has to be a contender for one of the best goals of the tournament.

“I am very grateful to all the Peruvian fans,” he said.

“Many people made the impossible trip to be here. I am happy to give them the victory. We are proud of them."

The future of the Peru coach remains uncertain with Gareca linked with leaving his post. Gareca declined to commit his future to the national team after the win over Australia. The Argentine, nicknamed el Tigre, has been in charge since 2015. In that period the 60-year-old has only lost 12 of 46 matches with Peru, and led them to the semi-finals of the Copa America.

“Whether I continue or not depends on many factors," he said.

"There are times when you need to take stock personally and the Peruvian Football Federation also need to take stock. You need time to think things over with a cool head because the national team coach is a huge responsibility as you have an entire country on your shoulders for four years.

“To make that decision you need to be in a good place and analyse everything.”

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