Australia vs Peru – Monday, June 26, 15:00BST/16:00CEST/17:00 MSK – Fisht Stadium, Sochi, Russia
The math is simple for Australia. Beat Peru and hope that France will get the job done against Denmark. Ranked third in the group the Socceroos have collected one point in the 1-1 draw against Denmark.
With the two goals scored, however, an Australia victory, and a Danish defeat would catapult Australia to second place behind France in Group C. Reaching the next round would equal Australia’s best result at a World Cup – the country reached the round of 16 12 years ago at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Equaling that record, however, will not be easy. Not only do Australia have to hope that France keep up their motivation in a game that will not mean very much for them but they will also face a tough opponent in the form of Peru.
Sochi, in fact, has been overrun with Peru fans in the buildup of the game on Tuesday. Furthermore, despite the two defeats against Denmark and France fans of the Los Blanquiroja have been optimistic that their side can end the tournament on a positive note.
“We have had a great time here in Russia and we will win and party at the clubs”, one fan told the Futbolgrad Network. “This country has been great and want to go out on a high,” another fan added. Although Australia fans have also come in full-support there is definitely a sense that the town is in the hands of the South Americans.
Hence, with Australia under pressure and with Peru looking to end the tournament on a high note the game could very well end in favour of the South Americans.
Australia vs Peru – Players to look out for:
Mile Jedinak #15 – Australia (Aston Villa)
Mile Jedinak is Australia’s leader on the pitch. The central midfielder is a tower with a strong physical presence. His goal against France highlighted that he is a weapon whenever his country receives a corner or free-kick. His leadership skills and physicality will also be a rather small Peru side that despite their height disadvantage likes to use physical elements in their game.
Paolo Guerrero #9 –Peru (Flamengo)
The centre-forward was a surprise omission from the starting line-up versus Denmark, but his late introduction showed the ability contained within the 34-year-old. The controversy surrounding the Brazilian based forward has been constant since he received a ban after testing positive for a cocaine by-product – which he said was taken unknowingly as part of a herbal tea treatment for flu. His presence at the World Cup comes after an agreement to temporarily lift a 14-month doping ban, pending an appeal after the tournament.
Australia vs Peru – Match Stats
- Australia and Peru meet for the first time in history.
- Australia have collected just one point and one goal from their three matches against South American competition.
- Australia’s last three World Cup goals were all scored from the penalty spot.
Futbolgrad Network Prediction: Australia vs Peru – 1-3
Australia vs Peru – Lineups
Australia:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Ryan – Behich, Sainsbury, Milligan, Risdon – Jedinak, Mooy – Kruse, Rogic, Leckie – Nabbout
Head Coach: Bert van Marwijk
Peru:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Gallese – Trauco, Ramos, Rodriguez, Advincula – Tapia, Yotun – Carillo, Cueva, Farfan – Guerrero
Head Coach: Ricardo Gareca
Manuel Veth is the owner and Editor in Chief of the Futbolgrad Network. He also works as a freelance journalist and among others works for the Bundesliga and Pro Soccer USA. He holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in History from King’s College London, and his thesis is titled: “Selling the People’s Game: Football’s transition from Communism to Capitalism in the Soviet Union and its Successor States,” which is available HERE. Originally from Munich, Manuel has lived in Amsterdam, Kyiv, Moscow, Tbilisi, London, and currently is located in Victoria BC, Canada. Follow Manuel on Twitter @ManuelVeth.
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