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Peru to play World Cup playoff game as home team

Photo: AFP

12:38 | Doha (Qatar), Jun. 13.

With high hopes placed upon the national soccer team and the enthusiasm of thousands of Peruvian fans in the city of Doha, Qatar, the Peruvian side will play as a home team in the playoff game against Australia in the quest to qualify for Qatar 2022 World Cup —the most prestigious event on the soccer calendar, Peruvian Ambassador to Qatar Jose Benzaquen said.

"We expect thousands and thousands of Peruvians here. Therefore, Peru will play as a home team," he told Andina News Agency.

"And we expect the same in the match scheduled for Monday, June 13. Under this scenario, the red-and-white national colors will fill the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium," the Peruvian envoy remarked.

Last March, Peru earned the right to play the intercontinental playoff in search of a place for the Qatar 2022 World Cup by defeating Paraguay 2-0 in Lima.

For its part, Australia beat the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in Doha on June 7.

Peruvians in Qatar

According to the Peruvian Embassy, only 200 Peruvian nationals reside in this Arab country, almost all are professionals, especially in the aviation field.

For example, some Peruvians are working as pilots and flight attendants at Qatar Airways —one of the most prestigious airlines in the world.

Others are working in education, engineering, tourism, construction, and sports sectors.

Moreover, some Peruvians have been hired by FIFA to work across sport disciplines, since the development of sports is a state policy in Qatar.

In addition, five Peruvians are pursuing studies in said country, and almost everyone is learning Arabic.

"Adaptation is not as complicated as it is believed, since the (local) population —despite its traditions and culture— receives foreigners very friendly," Benzaquen stated.

(END) ICI/RRC/RMB

Publicado: 13/6/2022