Peru vs Scotland
The countdown to World Cup 2018 is now underway.
And a party atmosphere is seemingly guaranteed for a Peruvian send-off and a rematch—40 years after a clash in Argentina which became the stuff of football folklore.
Scotland and the Tartan Army are the visitors to South America as a nation prepares to bid its heroes—the country’s most famous since Paddington Bear—farewell on their adventure.
With another World Cup just weeks away, it’s fair to say excitement is well and truly building as Ricardo Gareca and his players move a step closer to Russia and the summer spectacle.
Talking points
The party atmosphere is in danger of being dampened slightly with the news that Peru skipper Paolo Guerrero, their key player and mentor, will almost certainly miss the tournament.
Suspended for failing a doping test, he had been due to be available again from May 3 and, while not match fit, would have naturally been included in the squad.
However, his initial six-month ban became a 14-month suspension when an attempt to clear his name backfired.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland is a body which even FIFA has little influence over, and it is apparent that Guerrero will miss the competition.
Guerrero has also been suspended by his club, Brazilian side Flamengo, until next January.
In his absence, much focus will be on the experienced Jefferson Farfan who scored crucial goals in qualifying, while Andre Carrillo of Watford will also be expected to deliver in attack.
Midfielder Yoshimar Yotun is multi-dimensional while Alberto Junior Rodriguez will provide stability at the back.
There is no place for Claudio Pizarro but, given the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea man is now 39, that is perhaps no surprise.
Once this high-profile friendly and encounters with Saudi Arabia and Sweden follow, Peru will once again be dining at the top table and will want to make the most of every moment.
But first, the Peruvian send-off for which reportedly 700,000 Peru fans applied for tickets.
Of course, the Estadio Nacional del Peru only has a 50,000 capacity, but there won’t be a spare seat in Lima after the country’s first FIFA World Cup qualification for 36 years sent their animated support into fever pitch.
Alex McLeish brings his Scottish side to South America before heading to Central America with a new-look squad and a number of key players missing.
Yet, this is a chance for the new manager—now in his second stint as national team boss—to experiment and build momentum ahead of the UEFA Nations League.
Indeed, McLeish has already told his players they are in effect minnows for this one, an indication of how far the Scottish game has fallen. Remember, this was a nation which once boasted the likes of Denis Law, Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Gordon Strachan, Ally McCoist, Alan Hansen and the late Davie Cooper in its ranks.
After a long domestic season for many of the national team stalwarts, McLeish has decided to let some experienced figures have some downtime, particularly as some will face Champions League qualifiers for next season before July is out.
The pool is thin and he has also called up American-based player Johnny Russell from Sporting Kansas City to boost the ranks of an inexperienced squad with fewer than 80 caps between them.
Scotland then head to Mexico City to meet another of the finalists preparing for Russia, again a stark reminder of last autumn’s heartache when Scotland missed out on qualifying despite going undefeated in the last five qualifiers—drawing with England and beating Slovakia along the way.
History
They’ve only met three times before and two of them were friendlies.
However, only once have they met competitively, and it remains one of the World Cup’s biggest upsets.
In 1978, Teofilo Cubillas wrote himself into the history books with a goal and a display which lit up the tournament and ultimately sent a strong Scottish side packing.
His double and an assist in a 3-1 triumph was one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history as they topped a group which also included eventual finalists Holland.
What are the odds?
Surprisingly, Peru are overwhelming favourites despite the sides seeming evenly matched on paper.
Peru are priced 1X2 @ 1.31, with Scotland @ 10.00.
Asian Handicap betting odds are closer. Again though, the Peruvians are odds-on –1.25 @ 1.84, with the Scots pegged with an attractive offer +1.25 @ 2.08.
A double chance of Scotland or draw @ 3.15 is a bet worth considering.
In what could well be an open contest, Over 2.50 @ 2.17 is also worth looking at.
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