Peru still a threat without captain Guerrero, says NZ coach Hudson

Peru's chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1982 were dealt a major setback after soccer's governing body FIFA provisionally suspended Guerrero for failing a doping test.

Peru still a threat without captain Guerrero, says NZ coach Hudson

(Reuters)





The 33-year-old, Peru's all-time top scorer, netted six goals in the qualifying stage to lead his country to the intercontinental playoff.

"Guerrero is probably irreplaceable in what he does," Hudson told reporters. "I don’t think they have anyone that has a physical presence like him and can play the type of game they like to play with him available.

"But the reality is the best part of their team is their front five or six players. Their attacking midfielders, the two sitting in behind and whoever plays up front are all quality players.

"I don't think too much will change other than they won't have that exact type of profile up front."

Peru coach Ricardo Gareca has called up Vancouver Whitecaps forward Yordy Reyna Serna to replace Guerrero in the squad.

Hudson said his team were focussed on Saturday's first-leg in Wellington and were taking nothing for granted.

"Nothing changes in the way we approach the game in terms of our mindset. We don't see this situation and suddenly think we have a better chance now to qualify," he added.

"We know Peru is a good team with or without Guerrero. We're very clear on what we need to do in our team set-up and our shape to give us the best possible chance of winning the game."

The return leg will be held at the Estadio Nacional de Lima in Peru's capital on Nov. 15.





(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world