The Peruvian a href="https://www.infobae.com/tag/seleccion-peruana/" rel="noopener noreferrer" team is only two dates away from knowing if it will achieve the long-awaited goal of qualifying for the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Uruguay and Paraguay will be the next rivals of the 'bicolor' that is rarely being armed with the arrival of Peruvian players who play abroad. The last to arrive in Lima was Pedro Gallese, who revealed that the only watchword is the direct ticket to the World Cup.
Several journalists gathered at Jorge Chávez International Airport to cover all the details about the national players who come from their teams from abroad to join the work of the 'bicolor' at Videna. “Qualifying directly to the World Cup is the goal we all have and we have to work towards that,” the goalkeeper replied in statements to the press on his departure from Jorge Chávez International Airport.
The fact of playing two matches that will surely be of high intensity carries a great responsibility. The standings are at stake but Gallese himself acknowledges that the 'bicolor' has experience from what he did in the past Playoffs. “The group already knows what it's like to play these games. The last qualifier was very similar and we know how to play this,” he said.
Clearly they are clashes where the national team, currently in fifth position in the table with 21 points, must aim to win them. He has no other choice and depends on himself to achieve it. In addition, being able to close against an eliminated Paraguay in Lima gives it a certain mental advantage. “We are very calm, with a cool head. We know what we have and we are not going to lose sight of the objective. The tranquility, the union and the effort of all and that is how we are going to achieve it,” said the 32-year-old footballer.
ABSENCES OF PAOLO GUERRERO AND JEFFERSON FARFÁN
The counterpart to this situation is that Ricardo Gareca will not be able to count on two of the best players that Peru has had in its last 20 years: Paolo Guerrero and Jefferson Farfan. Both are injured and recovering from their respective injuries. However, for the goalkeeper this is not a problem and he confesses that they have elements to replace them. “Paolo and Jefferson are two great players, they are in the recovery stage, but there is also a teammates who are in their position,” he said.
A MOMENT WITH ORLANDO CITY
On the other hand, he referred to the good moment, both physical and football that he has in Orlando City of the MLS, where he is the undisputed starter for his coach, Oscar Pareja. In fact, in the last match against Los Angeles Galaxy that ended in a 1-0 win for his team, he had great saves. One did it to renowned Mexican striker, Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez. “I arrive very well physically. This last game went very well for my team. We have 4 matches and of those I have 3 with zero behind, so I am very motivated,” said the 'Octopus'.
RECORD WITH ORLANDO CITY
Now, this last match against the Californian squad allowed Gallese to break an impressive record of having his fence undefeated 14 times after 50 games. In this way, he surpassed the mark achieved by American Joe Bendik, current goalkeeper of the Philadelphia Union, but who in his time at the 'The Lions', was able to hold his goal at zero in 13 times, but in 90 matches.
THANKS TO THE FANS
Finally, he thanked the Peruvian fans who are always present in every match and who will give up everything to motivate the players for these next two decisive clashes. “Thank the fan because it always encourages us. Now there are only two dates left to meet the goal,” he said.
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