Ar-Rayyan (dpa) – The long journey should take them back to Qatar. Peru’s national soccer coach Ricardo Gareca also relies on the emotional support of the pros.
The families will be there when the penultimate place at the World Cup in Qatar at the end of the year is at stake this Monday (8:00 p.m. CEST) in Ar-Rayyan near Doha. “There are many things we have to pay attention to,” emphasized the 64-year-old native of Argentina, especially with a view to corona measures and rules. Nevertheless, the players can have their loved ones with them. That was also the case when the team in Barcelona prepared for the all-important knockout game.
“For us as coaches, it’s important that the families are involved. That gives energy. The players feel the support, they feel protected,” said Gareca: “The families were essential for us on this long journey.”
And it is now set to be interrupted, not ended, when Peru take on Australia in the intercontinental play-off at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. The winner will join the group with, among others, defending champion France. It would be the sixth World Cup appearance for both Peru and Australia.