All eyes will be on Estadio Nacional as Peru and Chile clash in a high-stakes World Cup qualifier, reigniting the fierce rivalry of the Clasico del Pacifico. This isn’t just any match; it's a showdown between CONMEBOL's bottom two nations, both desperate to break free from the shadows cast by their recent struggles.
Peru knows the stakes couldn't be higher. With an intimidating away game against Argentina, the reigning world and Copa America champions, looming next week, this home game against Chile - the only team below them in the standings - is a must-win. For Peru, it's not just about points; it's a battle for pride, a last stand on their own turf, where victory is essential if they want any hope of turning their qualifying campaign around.
Chile, meanwhile, arrives with its own fire, eager to claw its way off the bottom. Both teams have everything to prove, and neither can afford to back down. Expect a fiercely contested, all-or-nothing encounter as two desperate teams go head-to-head, with more than just points on the line.
Peru’s last round of qualifiers began on a high note, as La Bicolor claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uruguay, finally notching three points after a grueling winless stretch. But the euphoria was short-lived, Brazil handed them a humbling 4-0 defeat, casting doubt over whether Peru can keep pace in this campaign. Now, with another chance on home soil, Peru is determined to make a statement against a similarly struggling Chile side in Lima.
The hosts have proven to be resilient at home, having lost only twice in their last 11 World Cup qualifiers at Estadio Nacional. Yet, they’ll be without a few key players - both Marcos Lopez and Carlos Zambrano are suspended, and midfield anchors Renato Tapia and Yoshimar Yotun remain sidelined with persistent injuries. Yotun’s absence is especially felt, as he hasn't been able to join the squad in over a year.
On a positive note, legendary striker Paolo Guerrero could make a return, fit and eager to add to his remarkable legacy. The 40-year-old is just six caps away from matching the national record, currently held by Yotun. Right-back Luis Advincula, who also edges closer to that record, will be ready to lead from the back. However, Copenhagen’s Marcos Lopez won’t be adding to his cap tally just yet, left out this month due to limited club minutes.
With the weight of national pride and history on their shoulders, Peru will be looking to bounce back, rally their passionate fans, and reignite their qualifying journey.
PERU predicted lineup vs CHILE: Gallese (GK); Araujo, Zambrano, Abram; Advincula, Sonne, Castillo, Pena, Callens; Lapadula, Flores.
Chile’s struggles have deepened, as La Roja endured a bruising 4-0 defeat to Colombia, marking their fifth consecutive loss in the World Cup qualifiers. They’ve fought hard but with little reward; even their spirited goal against Brazil last month wasn’t enough, ending in a disheartening 2-1 loss on home soil.
Ricardo Gareca’s summer appointment was meant to spark a revival, but his tenure so far has only seen setbacks and disappointment. Missing critical midfielders Erick Pulgar and Dario Osorio, Gareca has turned to the seasoned Arturo Vidal, calling him up for the first time in 2024 after impressive performances with Colo-Colo. Vidal’s presence may inject some much-needed grit and leadership into a squad desperate for direction.
With record cap-holder Alexis Sanchez sidelined due to injury and Ben Brereton Diaz still out of the squad, veteran forward Eduardo Vargas will likely lead the attack. Meanwhile, the experienced Guillermo Maripan, now reaching 50 caps, will wear the captain’s armband in Sanchez's absence.
Facing a must-win clash in Peru, Chile’s players are aware that only a complete turnaround will save them from an early exit. It’s now or never for La Roja, and they’ll need every ounce of resilience and determination to break free from their downward spiral.
CHILE predicted lineup vs PERU: Cortes (GK); Loyola, Kuscevic, Maripan, Hormazabal; Valdes, Vidal, Echeverria; Mora, Vargas, Tapia.
Though Peru currently sit second-to-last in the standings, their recent home form has been a glimmer of hope. With a hard-fought win over Uruguay and a solid draw against Colombia, they’ve proven they can rise to the challenge on their own turf. Now, as they prepare to face a Chile side mired in crisis, Peru will look to seize three crucial points that could reignite their World Cup dreams and pull them closer to mid-table contention.
Coming off that confidence-boosting win over Uruguay, La Bicolor are primed to make another statement and capitalize on Chile’s disarray. In a must-win Clasico del Pacifico, the odds favor Peru to send La Roja back to Santiago empty-handed, deepening the struggles of their southern rivals.
