11:19 | Porto Alegre (Brazil), Jul. 4.
Peru's national soccer team head coach Ricardo Gareca said his men have advanced to the
Copa America final on their own merit.
The coach claims he is confident Peruvian players will lift the continental trophy against Brazil this Sunday, July 7.
"We went through difficult times and reached the final on our own merit, because we managed to recover from substantial adversity, a tough defeat," the Argentine said.
"It is understandable that defeats of this type can lead to strong criticism and a reaction, but I see it as something natural," he added.
When asked about if this was the best match of the Peruvian team since he took charge of it, Gareca said he had no answer for that question because his squad had good moments several times.
"I think we have played very good games to say whether this was the best one. I'm not in a position to answer that. I believe the team had a great performance against a great side, but I don't know if this was the best match," he expressed.
As for the clash against the eight-time Copa America champions, Brazil, Gareca said he trusts his men and if they reached the final stage of the competition is to win the Copa America.
The game was held at Arena do Gremio in Porto Alegre.
As is known, the Inca team defeated Uruguay last Saturday in the quarterfinals.
Peru will face host Brazil in the final this Sunday. It must be noted the Incas return to such stage after 44 years.
(END) JSO/RMB/MVB
Published: 7/4/2019