10:03 | Lima, Jan. 14 (ANDINA).
Peru arrive in Venezuela knowing that they could, and should, be hosting this tournament - but due to off the pitch matters, they lost the right.
Losing the tournament means they don't get to play at home and therefore stand less chance of qualifying for the Under-20 World Championships next year.
A complication is the fact that the team have done a lot of their training in the high altitude area of Arequipa, and will now have to adapt to the new conditions in Venezuela.
To add to their woes they will also be without striker Jairsinho Baylón, after he was ruled out with injury for four months.
The good news though is that they are not in the so called 'Group of Death' and will have the talented Reimond Manco available, along with goalkeeper Eder Hermoza.
Fixtures
19/1 vs. Equator
21/1 vs. Colombia
23/1 vs. Argentina
25/1 vs. Venezuela
Star Players
Reimond Manco - PSV Eindhoven (Holland) - 18 years old
Named as the best player of the Under-17 tournament back in 2007, Manco arrives in Venezuela as one of the brightest hopes for his country. The PSV player will no doubt be hoping to follow in the footsteps of countryman Jefferson Farfán and he has plenty of similar attributes. The youngster can play behind the front men or as a striker himself, and his pace and skill are sure to torment plenty of defenders over the next few weeks.
Anderson Cueto - Lech Poznán (Poland) - 19 years old
Creative midfielder Cueto has a great eye for a pass and a superb technique, but even that could not be enough to see him start for Peru. The Lech Poznán player will have to compete with plenty of other stars in the centre of the pitch but if given his chance he is sure to impress for his side.
Damián Ísmodes - Racing Santander (Spain) - 19 years old
'Damichón' has been hailed as one of the most exciting players in this current crop, and it is hardly surprising watching him play. His ability to play on both wings and his dashing forward runs have earned him the nickname the 'Peruvian Robinho', and already he has played for the senior team five times.
Carlos Zambrano - Schalke 04 (Germany) - 19 years old
The central defender and captain of the side looks as though he could soon he leaving Schalke for pastures new, but it is unlikely that he will be stepping down. Hailed by his coach as a 'great defender and a natural leader' he has played three times for the full Peru team already and will be key at the back for this side.
Other Players
Daniel Sánchez - Sporting Cristal (Peru) - 18 years old
Like Cueto, Sánchez is a midfield player with plenty of potential but he could be forced to watch from the sidelines due to the wealth of talent in the attacking positions for Peru. The youngster was impressive at the Under-17 tournament last year and he will hope to be given an opportunity again.
Juan José Barros - Bolognesi (Peru) - 19 years old
With Baylón absent from the squad the onus is on Barros to grab the goals and there is no doubt he already has plenty of experience for his age. The striker has played in the Copa Libertadores for the Peruvian champions, and his imposing physical presence should be a handful for plenty of defenders.
Aurelio Saco-Vertiz - Universidad San Martín (Peru) - 19 years old
The vice-captain of the side, Vertiz is a key player down the left flank for Peru with his power, strength and running. Often gets forward to join the attacks and may well grab a goal or two during this tournament.
Coach
Héctor Eleazar "Tito" Chumpitaz arrived in this job in July 2008 and there is no doubt the pressure is on to repeat the success of the
Under-17 side in 2007. He has a talented bunch of players at his disposal and despite never having worked at the top level before, he will be confident of doing well in Venezuela with this group.
Squad
Yet to be announced.
(END) INT/AVC
Publicado: 14/1/2009