After the match against Uruguay, Ricardo Gareca will keep the same formation against the two-time Chilean champions in the semi-finals of the CONMEBOL Copa América 2019 in Brazil on Wednesday: Paolo and ten other players to defend Peru's reputation.
"We're in a condition to face this kind of matches. I feel very identified with the team. Maybe then we'll have one better game than another, but we're able to play better" said 'Tigre' Gareca at a press conference.
There is a rule in football that says "team that wins is untouched". In the case of Peru, Gareca, before the definitive loss of the 'Foquita' Jefferson Farfán due to injury after the debacle against Brazil, redesigned the starting eleven to face Uruguay in the quarterfinals.
The changes in defense and middle field took effect against the Celeste, mainly because the 'Tigre' gave another dynamic to his usual 4-2-3-1 with the inclusion of certain names, somewhat more like the formations used in Russia during the World Cup-2018.
With Paolo Guerrero at the front and absolute mobility to cover the attacking front, Gareca placed in the middle Edison Flores and André Carrillo, two skillful players with good technique, speed and vision in the elaboration of the offensive game.
Christian Cueva is slowly recovering his level. The Santos attacking midfielder goes through a moment of discreet performance, which did not detract from his merits to remain the reinforced man in the scaffolding of Gareca.
"To our understanding, Cueva is not valued in the dimension that has resulted in the selection. I don't understand why", said the DT. "Many times I see passes from a European player that arouse admiration, but I see the same Cueva passes that go completely unnoticed", he remarked.
The former Russian Krasnodar midfielder did a remarkable job in the World Cup that resulted in a transfer to Europe from Sao Paulo, where he spent three years in very good production, which was also reflected in the selection during the South American qualifiers.
Renato Tapia and Yoshimar Yotún are the first line in the 'Tigre' scheme. They run, they go, they are immovable in an area they know very well and in which they stand out for their commitment and precise long pass.
Luis Advincula suffered in the right lateral the presence of Luis Suarez in the game last Saturday, and it is in that area where Alexis Sanchez will move the best, so Peru must have better moves in that point of the field to avoid the 'Nño maravilla".
Carlos Zambrano, absent against Brazil for a muscle fatigue, returned to Uruguay as a center pair with Luis Abram and fulfilled. He was on top of Edinson Cavani and won the duels.
And with Miguel Trauco on the left side in the defense responded in that task, although it was restrained to free the ball against the Charrúas.
Gareca knows it very well: team that wins is not touched. The Inca fighters are ready for a new battle against the current champion of America.
AFP
