Peru focus on gaining respect

Lima, May 26: Peru’s national football team midfielder Andre Carrillo said his side is focused on maintaining their good form in next week’s friendly matches in order to “gain international respect” at the World Cup in Russia.

Next month’s tournament will be Peru’s first World Cup appearance since 1982, reports Efe.

“We have played good games, but it is not enough to win in streaks,” he said on Friday.

“We have to keep up the level to gain respect and confidence and give Peru a very good name,” Carrillo added.

Carrillo said that the team will be “in good shape” for next Tuesday’s friendly against Scotland at Lima’s Nacional stadium.

He also said that France, one of Peru’s Group C rivals in Russia, is “the strongest national team individually,” while adding that another opponent, Denmark, is also not to be taken lightly.

The midfielder said that “while the team would have preferred to play alongside Paolo (Guerrero),” who is serving a 14-month suspension - he thinks the squad can “adapt” to the absence of their captain and top goal scorer.

“He is a very important player,” he added. “But since he is no longer with us, we will not feel bad. We will work to dedicate the triumph to him,” Carrillo said.

Friday’s training session included 23 of the 24 players on coach Ricardo Gareca’s preliminary roster. IANS