Peru prepares for Colombia and Uruguay

The Peruvian National Team, better known to all Peru as “La Rojiblanca” began their preparation for World Cup 2010 qualifier games against Colombia and Uruguay. Peru chose none other than power house Spain in the city of Huelva, on Saturday May 31, for the first of 2 preparation games. The spanish home team gave the peruvian defense a work load that looked like they could handle until the last minute of play. Coach Jose “Chemo” del Solar missed many important figures do to Injuries (Juan Vargas) and controversial suspensions (Claudio Pizarro,Jeffferson Farfan,Andres Mendoza and Santiago Acaciete). Nolberto Solano took the captain band and tried to lead a young peruvian squad, but the spanish stage proved to be a little big for some of the young players that had the apportunity to win the trust of young peruvian coach Jose “Chemo” del Solar. In the first 45 minutes “La Rojiblanca” scaped with 0-1 score after a very good offensive display from the spanish squad. The peruvian coach made a few changes in the second half and sent in midfielder Marino to support Solano and added young forward Rengifo to take some of the pressure of Paolo Guerrero in the attack. The tactic seem to work and the young Rengifo scored his 2nd goal in as many starts for “La Rojiblanca” to give a lackluster peruvian squad a hope to steal a win in Spain. Rengifo’s header goal in the 74th minute tied the game 1-1. The spanish Attack was brutal and coach “Chemo” was forced to replace a very tired Solano in the final minutes and with a minute left in the game the Spanish attack came from the right side and the peruvian defender Miguel Villalta was beaten by Joan Capdevilla for the Spanish 2-1 win. Solano was quoted “There we go again losing in a stupid way”…..

Next, “La Rojiblanca” faces Mexico in Chicago, USA on June 8 at 8pm/Et. One good note is that Peru is getting good challenges for their tough qualifier games on June 14/17 vs Colombia/Uruguay. Keep in mind Peru has only grabbed 2 points out 4 qualifier games and is sitting in 9th place in a 10 team South American group, so is very crucial to get at least a win at home and hope for a tie away.

Tell us, who should coach Jose “Chemo” del Solar start against Mexico?
Which suspended player is missed most in “La Rojiblanca”?