The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) noted Peru's dream of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and made it clear the Incas have the support from the entire continent to do so.
"The moment of truth has arrived," reads the recently-published
article.
Peruvian players will give their lives on Wednesday as they face New Zealand, the team they will have to beat in the return leg as they aim for their first
World Cup finals' appearance since 1982.
The South American squad played out a
goalless draw with the Kiwis in the first leg of their intercontinental World Cup play-off at Wellington Stadium on Saturday without Peru's all-time leading goal scorer
Paolo Guerrero.
Now, only a win at National Stadium in Lima will guarantee Peru's ticket to Russia 2018, while a scoreless draw would send the game to extra time and, if it's still level at 0-0, to penalties.
A 1-1 draw would be a positive result for the All Whites, since the side with the most away goals wins, although this applies if the aggregate score of both games is equal.
Argentinean coach Ricardo Gareca is aware of the tough task, so he will ask Peruvians to play a fully offensive game so as to penetrate the solid All Whites defense.
Slated to start at 9:15 PM local time, the clash will be officiated by French referee Clément Turpin. Meanwhile, Nicolas Danos and Cyril Gringore will be serving as assistants.
(END) RES/AFP/RMB/MVB
Published: 11/15/2017