Peru vs Colombia: Key Insights and Cuadrado’s Absence Explained

Updated on: October 8, 2024 8:00 am GMT

Peru will face Colombia on September 7, 2024, at the Estadio Nacional de Lima in a critical match for both teams in the ongoing South American 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Peru, currently sitting at the bottom of the qualifying table with just two points from six matches, is in desperate need of a victory. In contrast, Colombia has been performing admirably, sitting third on the table with 12 points from the same number of fixtures, as they look to solidify their place in the upcoming tournament.

Peru’s Struggles in Qualification

In their recent World Cup qualifying campaign, Peru has struggled significantly, recording no wins in their six matches thus far. Following their disappointing start, they hired Jorge Fossati in December 2023, hoping the experienced coach could turn their fortunes around. Despite their lack of victories, Peru managed to draw two matches but requires a major bounce-back performance against Colombia to revive their hopes for qualification.

Historically, Peru has faced challenges in World Cup qualifications. After not qualifying for eight consecutive FIFA World Cups, they achieved a long-awaited return to the tournament in 2018, where they exited the group stage. A near miss for the 2022 World Cup saw them losing to Australia in a penalty shootout during a playoff following a fifth-place finish in the qualifiers. With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, Fossati’s side must find a way to translate their potential into tangible results.

Colombia’s Recent Performance and Expectations

On the other hand, Colombia comes into this match with strong momentum, bolstered by a solid showing in the 2024 Copa América. Under the management of Néstor Lorenzo, Colombia has undergone a resurgence, remaining unbeaten in his first 26 games before losing to Argentina in the Copa América final. Their dynamic performance throughout the tournament included a record-breaking 12 goals, demonstrating their offensive potency.

Lorenzo, who took the coaching reins after Colombia’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, has successfully instilled confidence and skill within the squad. The team’s unbeaten streak and potent attacking play place them in a favorable position as they aim to secure their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A win against Peru is essential if they are to maintain their competitive edge against top South American teams.

Key Player Absences and Team Lineups

Colombia will experience a notable absence in their lineup, as veteran midfielder Juan Guillermo Cuadrado will not participate in the matchup against Peru. Although recovering from a chronic Achilles tendon injury, coach Néstor Lorenzo has opted to rest the 36-year-old to ensure his long-term fitness. Cuadrado’s experience and skill will be missed, particularly given his recent performances where he broke the assist record during the Copa América with six assists.

Peru, looking to secure their first win in the qualifiers, may field a lineup that includes goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and forwards Gianluca Lapadula and Edison Flores, who will be relied upon to spark the attack. Fossati’s strategy will likely focus on solidifying defense and seeking opportunities to capitalize on counterattacks, given their struggles to score in this qualifying campaign.

Projected Lineups

Analyzing the Matchup

As the two teams prepare to clash, the dynamics suggest a challenging outing for Peru. Colombia’s blend of experience and burgeoning talent has revitalized their aspirations for qualification, while Peru’s struggle for form looms large. Historically, the rivalry has seen intense matches, but given current performances, Colombia enters this fixture as the favorite.

Peru’s lack of offensive success, evidenced by their inability to score in the Copa América, may provide enough motivation for their players to break through against a disciplined Colombian defense. However, Colombia’s robust attack, spearheaded by stars such as James Rodríguez, poses a significant threat, and the visitors will look to exploit any defensive frailties Peru may show.

The implications of this match are substantial, as Peru seeks to revitalize its World Cup journey and Colombia aims to solidify its top-three position in the qualifiers. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these teams respond to the pressures of qualification, particularly in front of a home crowd in Lima.

The Estadio Nacional is getting ready to be an important place for two countries that have had very different journeys on their way to the World Cup. The excitement and pressure of this game are really high!