Peru’s Soccer Squad Brings Incan Spirit to Russia

Despite being nicknamed the team of \'dwarves\' due to the small statures of most of its players, the Inca team is determined to defeat the group’s \'giant\', Denmark, in their first match on Saturday (16/6/2018).

KOMPAS/HERPIN DEWANTO PUTRO

French national team players train at Glebovets Stadium in Moscow, Russia, on Monday (11/6/2018). The stadium will be their headquarters during the 2018 World Cup. In the group stage, they will play Peru, Denmark and Australia.

KHIMKI, KOMPAS – Peru’s national soccer team has arrived in Russia with a blazing spirit to win the 2018 World Cup competition ahead of Group C matches. Despite being nicknamed the team of “dwarves” due to the small statures of most of its players, the Inca team is determined to defeat the group’s “giant”, Denmark, in their first match at Mordovia Arena in Saransk, Russia, on Saturday (16/6/2018).

The Peruvian euphoric spirit was evident in its team’s first practice session at the Khimki Arena in Ulitsa Kirova, Russia, on Monday (11/6/2018). At the sports stadium on the northwest side of the Russian capital of Moscow, hundreds of journalists and supporters of Peru’s national team gathered.

“After being absent for 32 years [from the World Cup], finally we return. This still feels like a dream,” said Peru-born American Edward Olarte in Khimki.

“Peruvians were in absolute jubilance when we knew that our team passed [the World Cup qualification stage] and could go to Russia. I know someone who sold his house just to watch our national team playing in Russia,” said Peruvian journalist Steve Romero in describing his countrymen’s euphoria.

Peruvian soccer fans in Russia shouted chants to boost the Inca players’ spirits during their official practice session on Monday. Many brought oversized flags and other red Peruvian national team gear. The practice, which was open to the public, was attended by all 23 players, including senior striker Paolo Guerrero.

The Peruvian team captain, who had his drug-related suspension halved to enable him to join the World Cup, was understandably at the center of attention. Every time he had the ball, Peruvian fans at the stadium’s tribune seats shouted his name. “It was like the prodigal brother has returned. Now, our team is stronger thanks to him,” Olarte said.

High intensity

At the practice, Peruvian coach Ricardo Gareca focused on fast attacking. The 23 players were split into two teams and faced each other in a half-field mini game. National team member Renato Tapia said that they immediately practiced at a high intensity despite having just arrived in Russia on Sunday.

“We practice hard to sharpen our skills for our match against Denmark. They have several great players with great technique and speed, such as Christian Eriksen. However, we are not afraid. We have a collective and good spirit,” Tapia said during an interview after the practice.

Tapia said that Peru was facing an uphill battle to win in Group C. Other than Denmark, the group houses teams with top players, namely Australia and France. Tapia said that his team had a secret weapon that might surprise Denmark. “What’s the strategy? Of course it’s a secret. Just wait and see,” he said.

Romero, who had followed the Peruvian national soccer team for a long time, added that teamwork and speed would be among the team’s strengths in facing Denmark and France – the group’s favorite – in Group C matches. “Our team will try to play skillfully, from foot to foot,” he said.

France’s attack

In Moscow’s Glebovets Stadium on Monday, the French national team held its first practice. The “Les Bleus” squad remained in high spirit despite heavy rain. Young French star Kylian Mbappe was seen joking around with Florian Thauvin at the start of the practice session. Only a few players, including Olivier Giroud, were visibly serious.

French coach Didier Deschamps split the team into two during a match simulation. Each team built their attacks quickly from the back of the field. Midfielders Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi stood out.

(Herpin Dewanto)