Peru national football team

Infobox National football team
Name = Peru
Badge =
FIFA Trigramme = PER
Nickname = La Blanquirroja, La Rojiblanca
(the white and red)
Association = Federación Peruana
de Fútbol
Confederation = CONMEBOL (South America)
Coach = flagicon|Peru José del Solar
Captain = Nolberto Solano
Most caps = Roberto Palacios (122)
Top scorer = Teófilo Cubillas (26)
Home Stadium = Estadio Nacional
FIFA Rank = 58
1st ranking date = August 1993
FIFA max = 34
FIFA max date = September 1997
FIFA min = 86
FIFA min date = February 2003| Elo Rank = 54
Elo max = 12
Elo max date = June 1978
Elo min = 75
Elo min date = May 1994
pattern_la1=|pattern_b1=_redrightsash|pattern_ra1=
leftarm1=FFFFFF|body1=FFFFFF|rightarm1=FFFFFF|shorts1=FFFFFF|socks1=FFFFFF
pattern_la2=|pattern_b2=_whiterightsash|pattern_ra2=
leftarm2=FF0000|body2=FF0000|rightarm2=FF0000|shorts2=FF0000|socks2=FF0000

First game = flagicon|Peru|1825 Peru 0 - 4 fb-rt|Uruguay
(Lima, Peru; November 1, 1927)
Largest win = flagicon|Peru|1825 Peru 9 - 1 fb-rt|Ecuador
(Bogotá, Colombia; 11 August 1938)
Largest loss = fb|Brazil 7 - 0 Peru Flagicon|Peru
(Santa Cruz, Bolivia; 26 June, 1997)
World cup apps = 4
World cup first = 1930
World cup best = Quarterfinals, 1970
Regional name = Copa América
Regional cup apps = 28
Regional cup first = 1927
Regional cup best = Winners, 1939 and 1975

The Peru national football team is controlled by the Federación Peruana de Fútbol (FPF) and represents Peru in international football competitions. The team competes with nine other teams in the CONMEBOL conference within FIFA, and has qualified to four FIFA World Cups and two Olympic tournaments. With a total of nine tournament titles, the Peruvian teams are often said to play with much technique and elegance, making them one of the finest exponents of South American football. cite web | title=Peruvian football federation| work=conmebol.com | url=http://www.conmebol.com/federaciones_pais_index.jsp?pais=per&slangab=E | accessdate=2008-08-09]

Peru has had great moments in the history of football ever since its start in the 1930s. During this era they participated in the first FIFA World Cup, the controversial 1936 Summer Olympics, and won their first Copa América in 1939. Later, between 1970 and 1982, a Golden Generation of Peruvian footballers once more brought Peru into the view of the world.cite web | title=Peru| work=FIFA.com | url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/southamerica/teams/team=43929/index.html | accessdate=2007-10-20] Throughout its history Peru has held the honor of having a series of excellent footballers, the most famous being Teofilo Cubillas whom, with his distinct attacking flair and skill, has often been regarded as the most famous exponent of Peru's golden football years in the 1970s. During this time, the team then qualified for three out of four FIFA World Cups and won the Copa América in 1975.

Historically, Peru's fiercest rival is the football team of Chile.cite web | title=High Alert for Chile-Peru Qualifier| work=thestar.com.my | url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2007/10/17/sports/19188779&sec=sports| accessdate=2008-08-09] Nonetheless, the competitive zone in which the team is located has often led to various other football rivalries, such as those with Ecuador and Mexico.

Currently, the Peruvian team is usually rated around the 50th spot in FIFA rankings. Recent efforts to reach the World Cup have been unsuccessful six times in a row. Even so, various Peruvian players have been successful, among them, Nolberto Solano, Juan Manuel Vargas, Jefferson Farfán, Claudio Pizarro, and Jose Paolo Guerrero. Recently, a series of disastrous results and internal problems have led the team to a downfall in the rankings.

History

Association Football was introduced in Peru by English sailors in the late 19th century during their frequent stops at the port of Callao, which at that point was considered one of the most important ports of the Pacific Ocean. [cite web |url=http://www.findinternettv.com/Video,item,3956344969.aspx|title=Callao-Peru|accessdate=2007-08-12 |work=findinternettv.com ] During their free time, the English sailors resorted to playing football and, since more players were needed in order to play football, they invited the local "Chalacos" (people from Callao) to participate in their games. Allegedly, it was during these early games that the creation of the popular move known as the "Chalaca" (short for "Chalacan Strike"), or bicycle kick, took place. [cite web |url=http://199.125.90.75/futbol/autonoticias/columnistas/2006/11/29/DetalleNoticia82855.asp |title=La "Chalaca" de Ronaldinho |accessdate=2007-08-23 |work=Futbolperuano.com ] Soon, the sports rivalry that evolved between the foreigners and the Chalacos began to gain much attention from people elsewhere. As a result, the popularity of the sport eventually extended to Lima, and even though at first the sport was played without the formality of sports clubs, a few clubs were eventually created in order to continue its practice in the early 20th century. Among these early clubs of the amateur era were the English community's Lima Cricket & Football Club (Lima, 1859), [cite web |url=http://www.clublimacricket.com/futbol.htm|title=Lima Cricket & Football Club|accessdate=2008-08-12 |work=clublimacricket.com ] later followed by the Peruvian Ciclista Lima Association (Lima, 1896), [cite web |url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablesp/perufound.html|title=Peru-Foundation Dates of Clubs|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=rsssf.com ] and Club Atletico Chalaco (Callao, 1899). [cite web |url=http://www.clubatleticochalaco.com/historia.html|title=Club Atletico Chalaco|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=clubatleticochalaco.com ]

In the 1900s, due to the construction of the Panama Canal, the port of Callao was no longer flooded with the quantity of foreign sailors and travelers that had at one point made the port a point of much cultural diffusion. [cite web |url=http://xroads.virginia.edu/~ma03/holmgren/ppie/pc.html|title=The Panama Canal|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=xroads.virginia.edu] Nonetheless, by this moment more Peruvian cities had developed their own football clubs and leagues, the most important being those of Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. Some of the most important new clubs founded at this time were Alianza Lima (Lima, 1901), [cite web |url=http://www.clubalianzalima.com/pages/hist1901.asp|title=Historia Blanquiazul 1901-1920|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=Clubalianzalima.com ] Cienciano (Cusco, 1901), [cite web |url=http://www.elcienciano.com/modules/smartsection/print.php?itemid=91|title=Origines de Cienciano|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=elcienciano.com] FBC Melgar (Arequipa, 1915), [cite web |url=http://www.fbcmelgaraqp.com/entrada1pp.htm|title=Inicios de FBC Melgar|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=fbcmelgaraqp.com ] the Italian community's Circolo Sportivo Italiano (Lima, 1917), [cite web |url=http://www.mundoandino.com/Peru/Circolo-Sportivo-Italiano|title=Circolo Sportivo Italiano|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=mundoandino.com ] Atletico Grau (Piura, 1919), [cite web |url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablesp/perufound.html|title=Peru-Foundation Dates of Clubs|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=rsssf.com ] Alianza Atletico (Sullana, 1920), [cite web |url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablesp/perufound.html|title=Peru-Foundation Dates of Clubs|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=rsssf.com ] Universitario de Deportes (Lima, 1924), [cite web |url=http://www.universitario.com.pe/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=205|title=Historia de Universitario|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=universitario.com.pe] Sport Boys (Callao, 1927), [cite web |url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablesp/perufound.html|title=Peru-Foundation Dates of Clubs|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=rsssf.com ] and Coronel Bolognesi (Tacna, 1929). [cite web |url=http://www.bolognesifc.com.pe/historia.php|title=Historia del Club|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=Bolognesifc.com ] As such, the sport rapidly grew in Peru, but the most important amateur league (the "Peruvian Football League") stayed in the capital province where a new football rivalry arose between the participating clubs of Lima and the clubs of Callao. [cite web|url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablesp/peruhist.html|title=Peru-List of Final Tables|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=rsssf.com ] Yet, the lack of a central organization often brought much conflict between the teams, and such a situation eventually escalated into a conflict that led to the creation of the Peruvian Football Federation in 1922 and a new Peruvian Football League tournament under the regulation of said organization in 1926. [cite web|url=http://fpf.org.pe/|title=Historia|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=fpf.org.pe]

Even though the Peruvian Football Federation had joined CONMEBOL in 1925, the re-structuring of the national league prevented the creation of a national football team that would be able to participate in the South American Championships of 1925 and the 1926. Moreover, even though in the club level Peru had a series of strong teams, the Peruvian national team created for the 1927 South American Championship was the first successful attempt at a national squad for Peru. This first squad was composed from the best players of the Peruvian Football League, but their first game played against Uruguay (recent winners of the Football Olympics) showed a largely disunited team still trying to mold into a united group effort. After losing their first game to Uruguay in a result of 4-0, the Peruvian squad achieved their first victory a few days later against Bolivia in a surprising 3-0 result.

The time that followed saw the appearance of a group of excellent Peruvian football players that would help further expand the popularity of the sport not only in Peru, but also in other countries of South America. During the 1920s and 1930s, Peruvian clubs made a series of international tours due to the high demand of the skill of their players across South America in places such as Colombia, [es icon cite web|url=http://www.deporteaficionado.net/emilio.htm|title=Cali, 100 Años de Futbol|accessdate=2008-08-20|work=Deporteaficionado.net] Venezuela, [es icon cite web|url=http://www.futbolvenezolanoaldia.5u.com/paginas/histo.htm|title=Un Poco de Historia|accessdate=2008-08-20|work=Futbolvenezolanoaldia.5u.com] [es icon cite web|url=http://www.mipunto.com/deportes/futbol/venezuela/historia.jsp|title=L historia del futbol venezolano|accessdate=2008-08-20|work=Mipunto.com] and in Chile. [cite web|url=http://www.clubatleticochalaco.com/historia.html|title=Historia del Club Atletico Chalaco|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=clubatleticochalaco.com] [cite web|url=http://www.clubalianzalima.com/pages/hist1921.asp|title=Historia Blanquiazul: 1921-1960|accessdate=2008-08-12|work=clubalianzalima.com] [cite web|url=http://www.vamosbolo.unlugar.com|title=Historia (Bolognesi)|work=vamosbolo.unlugar.com] [cite web|url=http://peru.com/futbol/seleccion/historia/futbolistas/tfernandez.asp|title=Teodoro 'Lolo' Fernandez|work=Futbolperuano.com] The best moments of Peruvian football had thus began as the continued popularity of football in Peru led to the appearance of great players such as Alejandro Villanueva, Teodoro Fernandez, and Juan Valdivieso. In 1930, three years after the Peruvian squad had participated in its first international tournament, they were invited to participate in a new intercontinental competition to be held in Uruguay, the first FIFA World Cup.

The 1930 FIFA World Cup was an interesting experience for all the teams participating. For the Peruvian team, their first match against the Romania national football team was filled with problems as the Romanians and Peruvians played a rough match that eventually led to a broken leg for one of the Romanian players. This and several other incidents on the field, such as the first minute goal by Romania, soon led to the World Cup's first player dismissed, the Peruvian Plácido Galindo. After all the commotion was settled due to this decision by the referee, Peru was able to momentarily tie the game. Nevertheless, the lack of a player and the inexperience of the national side gave (after two consecutive goals) a pleasing 3-1 result to Romania. Afterwards, in the match against the hosts, Uruguay, that would innaugurate the Estadio Centenario, Peru played an allegedly formidable game against the "Charruas." In fact, Peru lost only by one goal to Uruguay, thus showing a sign of improvement from the past 1927 result against Uruguay (whom would later go on to beat Romania 4-0 and eventually crown themselves champions of the tournament).

Later, during 1936 Berlin Olympics, the team further showed how much they had improved since 1927. Largely with the squad of the 1930s, but with a new group of young stars, Peru made a great start by defeating the Finland national football team with a margin of 7-3. Even more surprisingly, the Peruvians defied all odds and managed to defeat Austria on a 4-2 result during over-time. Still, the team formally withdrew due to problems with the German government's intervention causing the International Olympic Committee to nullify Peru's victory against Austria and ordering a re-match. [cite web |url=http://www.peru.com/futbol/reportajes/2001/09/18/01.asp |title=Las Olimpiadas de Berlín |accessdate=2007-08-21 |work=futbolperuano.com ] [cite web |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,756542,00.html|title=Olympic Games (Concl'd)|accessdate=2007-08-19|work=www.time.com] Even though the team was already making history, their perseverance would soon lead them to the consolidation of their grandeour. In 1938, Peru's first international title would finally come during the first Bolivarian Games, which Peru won after winning all their games against the football teams of Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. Then, further consolidating their status as Peru's first golden generation, the national squad won Peru's first South American Championship (later known as "Copa America") in 1939. Once again, the national squad lost none of its matches and in their path to the finals defeated Ecuador, Chile, and Paraguay. For the final, Peru had to yet again face Uruguay, but this time the team was able to overcome the challenge and defeated Uruguay by a close margin of 2-1. Peruvian player Teodoro Fernández became the tournament's maximum goal scorer with 7 goals, and currently retains the historic second place of the competition. As a result of these many titles, victories, and important showings, the early years of Peru's football history went extraordinarily well, and the team was able to effectively build its game along with the increasing competition of the CONMEBOL region.

Nonetheless, due to a series of internal problems, Peru's football years after this first golden generation did not involve any other major accomplishments. The 1940s and 1950s flew by with only the achievements of a gold and bronze medal at the Bolivarian Games, and a couple of third places in the Copa America. During the 1960s Peru began to slowly show signs of improvement as the team won the Bolivarian Games of Barranquilla and qualified for the 1960 Summer Olympics held in Rome. Even though the team was only capable of beating the India national football team after losing to France and Hungary, the squad once again began to give its fans bright hopes for the future.

Once into the 1970s, the Peruvian "Blanquirrojas" rose with a spark of international victories and a string of young football stars that made the team once more a major competitive force in the world of football. Players like Teófilo Cubillas, Pedro Pablo Leon, Héctor Chumpitaz, Ramon Mifflin, Hugo Sotil, Roberto Challe, and César Cueto, helped make South American football a fierce competitor of European football at a time when teams throughout the world were becoming better at this sport. [cite web |url=http://www.gci275.com/peru/football.shtml |title=Peruvian Football |accessdate=2008-04-27] The participations of Peru in the 1970, 1978, and 1982 FIFA World Cups made the national team once again leave its mark in international competitions as the world saw with awe the elegant and technical play of a Peruvian squad that had a thirst for victory. [cite web |url=http://www.conmebol.com/federaciones_pais_index.jsp?pais=per&slangab=S |title=Federación Peruana de Fútbol |accessdate=2007-09-13 |work=conmebol.com ] The participation of Peru in the 1970 FIFA World Cup remains as one of the most memorable as the squad caused sensation as they advanced into the quarterfinals after first eliminating Argentina in the qualifiers, defeating Bulgaria 3-2 after trailing 0-2, losing 3-1 to Germany, and defeating Morocco 3-0. Moreover, their game against Brazil, which they lost 4-2, is usually considered as one of the best World Cup games to have ever been played. Not only that, but in 1975 Peru achieved its second Copa America title, and thus another set of players consolidated their mark in Peruvian sports history. Furthermore, the Peruvian squad once more took the title of football champions at the Bolivarian Games twice during these times. Along with an increase of better teams within the Peruvian league, Peru kept up its game up well into the late 1980s.

Heading towards the 21st century, the 1990s were not very good years for the Peruvian football team. The terrible 1987 Alianza Lima air disaster further crushed the hopes for the team as a series of good players ready to play for the national team died. Although there were still several good players like Julio Cesar Uribe, Nolberto Solano, Claudio Pizarro, and Jose del Solar, the team was no longer the "Golden Team" of the 70s. In terms of Copa America, the squad could only go as far as the quarterfinals before getting eliminated. Meanwhile, in the World Cup qualifiers, the team was not able to even get close to reaching another FIFA tournament until 1998, but that dream was also twarthed by a goal difference with Chile. The only important title the team won during these years was the Kirin Cup, were they shared first place with Belgium.

The early 21st century brought with it the same Peruvian team, a shadow of its former self. Nevertheless, the squad began getting new revivals once the team began getting new young players with new hopes and goals. As the years kept going, Peruvian football once more started to give signs of vitality as local teams from the league began doing rather well in international competitions. Yet, the results were still vastly the same for the Peruvian team in terms of both the Copa America and the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Quite surprisingly, Peru was able to do well when they were invited to participate in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and even won another Kirin Cup in 2005. Meanwhile, in 2007, the football fans of Peru received another great surprise as the national U-17 squad qualified and reached the quarterfinals (for their first time) of their FIFA World Cup. This success from the young squad has given new hopes to fans that things are turning for the better. With young star players like Jefferson Farfan and Jose Paolo Guerrero, the possibilities for Peru have expanded and now the team seeks to once more reach the best of the world in the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be held in South Africa.

Home stadium

"For more information: Estadio Nacional (Lima)"

The Estadio Nacional is a 45,574-spectator stadium located in Lima, Peru.cite web | url=http://www.fussballtempel.net/conmebol/listeconmebol.html| title=Football Stadiums of South America| work=fussballtempel.net| accessdate=2008-08-08 ] On July 18, 1897, the field was inaugurated and named "Estadio Guadalupe". The Liga Peruana de Futbol (known as the FPF today) used it for the first football tournaments held in Lima. In 1921, under the "embellecimiento" (beautifying) process for Lima under the presidency of Augusto B. Leguia, the stadium was renovated and renamed the Estadio Nacional. Later, under the government of Manuel Odria, the stadium was reconstructed and officially re-inaugurated on October 27, 1952.cite web | url=http://www.ipd.gob.pe/1059/estadio-nacional-cumple-54-a%C3%91os-de-vida| title=Estadio Nacional Cumple 54 Años de Vida| work=ipd.gov.pe| accessdate=2008-08-08 ] Currently, the stadium houses the Peruvian team and has hosted several major international competitions such as all four Copa América's football competitions held in the nation (the more recent being the Copa America 2004) and the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship.

During the preparations for the U-17 championship, artificial turf was installed as a means of making the stadium look in better shape. Nonetheless, the artificial turf remained in the Estadio Nacional. In the year of 2005, Peru held the privilege of holding four of the eight "Star II" (the highest certification granted to artificial pitches in the world) artificial turf stadiums in the world.cite web | url=http://www.elregionalpiura.com.pe/archivosnoticias/2005_11/noviembre_17/deportivas_17.htm| title=Cuatro Estadios Peruanos con Certificacion FIFA| work=elregionalpiura.com.pe| accessdate=2008-08-08 ] Even though the national stadium was one of the four Peruvian stadiums that received the "Star II" certification,cite web | url=http://journalperu.com/?p=859| title=FIFA inspects new artificial turf at Peru's El Nacional stadium| work=journalperu.com| accessdate=2008-08-08 ] it has received heavy criticism from clubs of the Peruvian First Division because of the alleged injuries it causes to players. Due to this reason, the national team has decided to temporarily not make use of the stadium.

Alternate Stadiums

The national team, for a series of different reasons, has tended to use a variety of venues to play against its rivals. The geographic variety of Peru is immense, and thus the national team has the option to use different stadiums that might prove as a benefit for the national team. At times, using the high altitude of the Estadio Garcilaso de la Vega in Cusco or the Amazonic climate Estadio Max Agustin of Iquitos can prove to be a good strategy for the team that may lead to both favorable results and an increase in national pride in regions far from the capital. Also, using popular stadiums in Lima, like the Estadio Alejandro Villanueva, can sometimes be an option for the team due to the supportive crowd.cite web | url=http://www.elcomercio.com.pe/ediciononline/HTML/2008-08-07/Conmebol-confirma-estadio-nacional-como-escenario-partidos-eliminatorias.html | title=Conmebol confirma Estadio Nacional | work=elcomercio.com.pe | accessdate=2008-08-08 ] Recently, though, the more modern Estadio Monumental "U" has been selected to momentarily house the Peruvian football team due to the National Stadium's artificial turf.

Estadio Monumental

"For more information: Estadio Monumental "U""

The Estadio Monumental is a football stadium in Lima, Peru, which serves as home ground for the football club Universitario de Deportes. It was built throughout the 1990s, and oficially opened in they year 2000. Currently, it is Peru’s largest and most modern stadium. Also, it is the third largest stadium in South America, behind the Maracanã in Brazil and the Monumental Isidro Romero Carbo in Ecuador.cite web | url=http://www.fpf.com.pe/escenario.htm | title=Escenario | work=FPF.com.pe | accessdate=2007-06-19 ] The stadium was built in accordance with FIFA’s manual of technical specifications for stadiums, and has a spectator-capacity of 80,093.cite web | url=http://www.fussballtempel.net/conmebol/PER.html | title=Peru | work=fussballtempel.net | accessdate=2008-01-15]

Despite its size, it has never hosted any of the major sporting events that have come to Peru such as the 2004 Copa America and the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship. Nonetheless, it was chosen as the national team's venue for the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers by the manager Jose del Solar. Moreover, it has prominently hosted various concerts and other events not related to the football atmosphere. Even tough the situation seemed to point towards the stadium staying as the venue for the Peruvian team, problems with Gremco company (the builders of the stadium) and Universitario de Deportes led to the national team's return to the Estadio Nacional.cite web | url=http://www.peru.com/futbol/AutoNoticias/FutbolPortada/2008/08/07/DetalleNoticia107393.asp| title=Peru jugara las eliminatorias en el estadio nacional | work=peru.com | accessdate=2008-08-08]

FIFA World Cup record

Participation history

Ever since their first Copa América, Peru has had interestingly good showings. It is often remembered by fans that Peru was the 4th team (After Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil) that won the South American cup. Even though in 1939 Peru played against only 3 of the South American nations (With no participation from Argentina or Brazil), in 1975 Peru won the cup once more (This time with all the CONMEBOL teams participating).

Recently, Peru has only been able to get only as far as the quarterfinals of the tournament which holds its own prestige as being the oldest tournament of international football; along with having Argentina and Brazil (the 2 teams usually considered among the top 5 in the football world), which have also recently been dominating the tournament. Nevertheless, all the South American nations get to show-off their skills and characteristic play in the Copa América, and Peru is no exception. The team's colorful history in the Copa América tournaments for the least seems to hold that true.

Peru 1927

At this point Peru is the 7th nation to join the competition, and in 1927 the games are decided to be played there. Although only 3 teams came to the tournament, Argentina, Uruguay, and Bolivia; the participating federations decided that the 1st and 2nd places of the competition would represent South America for the Olympic Games to be played at Amsterdam in 1928. It should be noted that the other federations (Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay) did not participate because of economic and sport problems. Peru gained third place after only beating Bolivia.

Peru 1935

This tournament is characterized by the Argentine and Uruguayan conflict that rooted from the 1930 World Cup. The winners here were going to once more represent South America for the Olympic Games, this time to be played at Berlin. Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay had withdrawn from the tournament. Peru's first game resulted at a 1-0 loss, with a goal scored by a Uruguayan player at the 80th minute. The second one was not much better, and Peru lost 4-1 against Argentina. The last game was won by Peru 1-0 against Chile. The tournament gave Peru the third spot, and helped it train and improve for the 1936 Summer Olympics.

Peru 1939

This was the first international title the team won. During this time, the team had greatly improved since the World Cup and was re-assuring that dominance they had shown over Austria in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Peru won all 4 games which were against Ecuador (5-2), Chile (3-1), Paraguay (2-1), and Uruguay (2-1) in the final. It's worth the mention that in this tournament Argentina and Brazil did not participate, but that does not take down the merit of Peru's notable act. Peruvian Teodoro Fernández also was the top goal-scorer of the tournament. As an anecdote, Peru was the fourth South American team that raised the trophy (The first three being Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil). [cite web |url=http://www.peru.com/futbol/reportajes/2001/09/18/02.asp |title=Perú y su primera Copa América |accessdate=2007-08-21 |work=Futbolperuano.com ]

Brazil 1949

By this time, Peruvian football was recognized by good game and playful management of the ball. Several interesting players came to the national team, but the team faced several problems with the directors and the players themselves. Peru won all but two games. As such, the national team got third place. Paraguay and Brazil, the only ones who beat Peru, had to later play a last tie-breaker match.

Peru 1953

As much as Peru did, the team was not capable to achieve another Copa America title until later years. Yet, the games played in 1953 are memorable to Peruvian football history because it was the first time Peru was able to beat Brazil (A certain something not many have been able to achieve). The goal was scored by Navarrete. [cite web |url=http://www.peru.com/futbol/reportajes/2001/09/18/03.asp |title=El primer triunfo peruano sobre Brasil |accessdate=2007-08-21 |work=Futbolperuano.com ]

Copa América 1975

This tournament had no fixed venue. For the first phase, Peru was grouped with Chile and Bolivia. After winning both games, which were played both at home and away, Peru qualified for the semifinals along with Colombia, Brazil, and Uruguay (Which were the defending champions). Perhaps unlucky for Peru, they had to face Brazil for their semifinal. At the city of Belo Horizonte in Brazil, Peru beat the Verdeamarela by a margin of 3 to 1 with two goals from Enrique Cassareto and one by Teófilo Cubillas. The game played back home at Lima was won by Brazil 2-0. Due to the goal difference, the winner (Which turned out being Peru) was chosen by sorting.

The final match was played against Colombia, whom had beaten Uruguay. The game played at Bogotá was won by the Colombians 1 to 0. The game played at Lima was won by the Peruvians 2 to 0. Even though this meant Peru should win by the goal difference, a last game was played at the city of Caracas. With a goal at the 25th minute of the game by Hugo Sotil, Peru obtained its second international title. [cite web |url=http://www.peru.com/futbol/reportajes/2001/09/18/08.asp |title=La Copa América de 1975 |accessdate=2007-08-21 |work=Futbolperuano.com ]

Ecuador 1993

Peru had an acceptable participacion in this Copa America when they passed as the leaders of their group with 4 points, 1 more point than Brazil. Paraguay and Chile also were part of this group. Peru tied with Brazil 0-0, tied with Paraguay 1-1 and beat Chile 1-0. The lead scorer for Peru in this competition was Jose del Solar with three goals. In semifinals Peru was eliminated by Mexico 4-2.

Bolivia 1997

The team was able to reach the quarterfinals of this cup and eliminated Argentina (2:1) to advanced into the semifinals. In the semifinals, Peru faced Brazil, and lost by a margin of 7 to 0 (Peru's worst result to date). For the third place spot, Peru faced Mexico. The game was won by Mexico by a goal scored at the 82nd minute of the game.

Peru 2004

The 2004 Copa América, which they hosted, saw the team lose in the quarter-finals against Argentina. This began a wave of criticism against Peru's then coach Paulo Autuori, who boycotted the media, and his squad. [cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_football/3650964.stm |title=Peru suffer in silence |accessdate= |work=BBC Sport ]

Venezuela 2007

Peru's campaign in the 2007 Copa América saw another futile attempt of the Peruvian squad, eliminated again in the quarter-finals by Argentina; the blame for this was mainly given to the tactics and formations of the coach Julio César Uribe, who did not call the appropriate players to the national team. After this situation, Peru replaced Uribe for Jose del Solar. [cite web |url=http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=558597.html |title=Peru name Del Solar as new coach |work=fifa.com ]

Other tournaments

Peru has participated in various international tournaments. Generally, the team gives a decent show and in some occasions has even been able to win some of the tournaments.

*Peru has been part of the Olympics twice: Berlin 1936 and Rome 1960.

*Peru has participated in the Copa Armenia of Colombia (1989), and the Nahser Cup of India (1986).

*Peru was invited to the U.S. Cup in 1997, and reached 3rd place.

*Peru has disputed the CONCACAF Gold Cup once in 2000, reaching 3rd place.

*Peru has disputed 2 Kirin Cups, in 1999 and 2005, winning in both occasions.

2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup

"For more information: 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup"

Peru was one of three teams invited to the 2000 Gold Cup held at the United States. This was the first time Peru had been invited to the competition, and the team accepted to enter the tournament.

Peru played in Group B of the tournament, placed with the USA and Haiti. Peru's two matches did not really go well for the team, they tied to Haiti (1-1) and lost to the USA (1-0) by the minimal difference. Nevertheless, Peru played a decent first phase that got them into the next round.

The challenge came when they had to face Group As leader, Honduras. Honduras had come from winning both of their previous games against Jamaica and Colombia. The odds were really against Peru, but the team raised its name by beating Honduras 5-3.

Peru's final match in the tournament came against Colombia. The match was won by Colombia 2-1, with an own goal from Peruvian player Salazar. Even though Peru has not been invited to the tournament ever since then, it is still a memorable participation for Peru since they went rather far (along with Colombia) into a competition that was not of their football sector.

Kirin Cup

"For more information: Kirin Cup"

The Kirin Cup is an annual football tournament organised in Japan by the Kirin Corporation. Participants are either club teams or national teams, but the Japan national team is always a participant. Peru was invited to this competition in 1999 and 2005.

In 1999, Peru was invited along with Belgium. To Peru this served mainly as a training tournament, but surprisingly Peru was able to achieve the title. Of course, Belgium also shared the title with Peru due to a tie in score. Nevertheless, this victory can be counted as an international title Peru has won (their third). [cite web |url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablesk/kirin99.html|title=Kirin Cup 1999 |accessdate=2008-04-27 |work=rsssf.com]

Similarly, in 2005, Peru was once more only coming to the tournament to do a good show and train some more. Yet, they left Japan once more with the title of champions and their 4th international title (shared with United Arab Emirates this time). Peru now holds the historic 5th place of this competition with an overall of 3 ties and 1 victory. [cite web |url=http://www.wldcup.com/Asia/nats/2005/peru.html |title=Kirin Cup (Peru) |accessdate=2008-04-27 |work=The Rising Sun News] [cite web |url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablesk/kirin05.html |title=Kirin Cup 2005 |accessdate=2008-04-27 |work=rsssf.com]

Kit evolution

The Peruvian team has officially used four official kits, but it also has used several alternatives. The classic colors used are red and white, which compose the flag of Peru. During the presidency of Augusto B. Leguia, the kit of Peru was taken from one of the most popular and successful teams of the Peruvian tournaments held between clubs of Lima and Callao, Alianza Lima. The kit of that particular club came about as a result of the team taking Augusto Leguia's stable shirts as a model for their design. Hence, the first kit of Peru honored both the most successful club of Peru at that time and the president of the nation. The only difference between the kits was the use of red stripes instead of Alianza's blue stripes, and the use of white shorts instead of Alianza's blue shorts. The team officially used this first uniform in the South American Championship (later renamed Copa America) of 1927 and later used it once more in the South American Championship of 1929. Originally, the kit was apparently going to remain the official kit of the national team, but when the 1930 FIFA World Cup came up, the Peruvian team was forced to change their shirts due to Paraguay registering their football kit first.

The white shirt used had a red collar and the players used red socks. After Peru lost both its games in the World Cup, the team once more looked for a new kit that would be more characteristic of the national colors of Peru. The first change came for the 1935 South American Championship, a tournament that Peru would hold for a third time. Although the team did not win, their unique white shirt with a red horizontal stripe made the first official appearance of the new design. The team's loss in the tournament is what probably once again led the team to look for a better shirt, and finally in 1936 developed a white shirt with a red stripe that crossed the chest from the left shoulder to the right hip. There is no valid conclusion as to how this shirt came to be part of the new Peruvian kit, but the usage of it during Peru's excellent performance in the 1936 Berlin Olympics would consolidate it as the new official kit of the team. Later, during the Bolivarian Games, Peru would once again bring fame to this kit as the team won the inaugural tournament of the competition. The team went on to win several more Bolivarian Games and participate in the 1960 Summer Olympics using this kit, but it was during the 1970 FIFA World Cup when the shirt reached its height in international popularity as the Peruvian team defeated several important opponents and reached the quarterfinals of that tournament. Although Peru also used their alternative kit at that time as a result of color television, the first kit of the team amounted the most prestige. Peru's current alternate kit is similar but uses a complete red kit with a white horizontal stripe. Up to this day, the unique style of the "Blanquiroja" kit has led it to become a symbol of Peru in various international tournaments.

Official First kits
*The first uniform was that of the red stripes, white shorts, and white socks. This model was only used in the Copa América 1927 and was left aside due to its similarity with the kit of Paraguay.
*The second uniform was that of the white shirt with red collar, white shorts, and red socks. Peru used this model when the team participated in the 1930 World Cup.
*The third uniform was composed of a white shirt with a horizontal red stripe that crossed the chest from left to right. The shorts and socks were white.
*The fourth and current uniform is composed of a white shirt with a diagonal red stripe that crosses the chest from the left shoulder to the right side of the hip. The shorts and socks are white (Although red socks are also being used lately).

Current squad

Head coach: flagicon|Peru José del Solar.
*Recent call-up for World Cup qualifier against Bolivia on October 11 and against Paraguay on October 15, 2008. [cite web | url=http://http://www.peru.com/futbol/sgc/seleccion/2008/09/26/DETALLE7008.aspx|title= Lista de Convocados|work=Futbolperuano.com| accessdate=2008-10-08 ]
*Player caps & goals are just for FIFA World Cups or qualifying matches.

*nat fs g player|no=|pos=GK|name=Leao Butrón|age=March 6, 1977|caps=6|goals=0|club=Universidad San Martín|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=GK|name=Raúl Fernández|age=January 31, 1986|caps=0|goals=0|club=Universitario de Deportes|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Walter Vílchez|age=February 20, 1986|caps=12|goals=0|club=Puebla F.C.|clubnat=Mexico
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Carlos Zambrano²|age=July 10, 1989|caps=4|goals=0|club=FC Schalke 04|clubnat=Germany
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Alberto Rodríguez|age=March 31, 1984|caps=9|goals=0|club=S.C. Braga|clubnat=Portugal
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Juan Vargas|age=October 5, 1983|caps=11|goals=1|club=ACF Fiorentina|clubnat=Italy
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Daniel Sánchez³|age=May 2, 1990|caps=2|goals=0|club=Sporting Cristal|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Christian Ramos²|age=November 4, 1988|caps=2|goals=0|club=Sporting Cristal|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Orlando Contreras|age=June 11, 1982|caps=0|goals=0|club=Universidad San Martín|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Roberto Guizasola|age=August 21, 1984|caps=0|goals=0|club=Cienciano|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Amilton Prado|age=May 6 1979|caps=3|goals=0|club=Sporting Cristal|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=DF|name=Guillermo Salas|age=October 21, 1974|caps=9|goals=0|club=Universidad San Martín|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Rinaldo Cruzado|age=September 21, 1984|caps=0|goals=0|club=Sporting Cristal|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Nolberto Solano¹|age=December 12, 1974|caps=43|goals=6|club=Larissa F.C.|clubnat=Greece
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Paolo de la Haza|age=November 30,1983|caps=4|goals=0|club=Chornomorets Odessa|clubnat=Ukraine
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Rainer Torres|age=October 19,1977|caps=3|goals=0|club=Universitario|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Henry Quinteros|age=October 19,1977|caps=3|goals=0|club=Alianza Lima|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Juan Carlos La Rosa|age=February 3, 1980|caps=4|goals=0|club=Alianza Lima|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Juan Carlos Mariño|age=January 2 1988|caps=2|goals=1|club=Cienciano|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=MF|name=Ronald Quinteros|age=|caps=0|goals=0|club=Alianza Lima|club=Universidad San Martín|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=FW|name=Hernán Rengifo|age=April 18, 1983|caps=6|goals=2|club=KKS Lech Poznań|clubnat=Poland
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=FW|name=Daniel Chavez²|age=January 8, 1988|caps=4|goals=1|club=FC Brugge"'|clubnat=Belgium
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=FW|name=Johan Fano|age=August 9, 1978|caps=2|goals=1|club=Once Caldas|clubnat=Colombia
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=FW|name=Piero Alva|age=February 14, 1979|caps=5|goals=1|club=Cienciano|clubnat=Peru
*nat fs g player|no=|pos=FW|name=Wilmer Aguirre|age=October 5,1983|caps=0|goals=0|club=Alianza Lima|clubnat=Peru¹ Solano was suspended for acumulating 2 yellow cards in different qualification games, and will not play against Bolivia.² includes 2005 FIFA U-17 World Cup caps & goals³ includes 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup caps & goals

Recent Call Ups

The following players have also been called up to the Peruvian squad in 2008.

;Goalkeepers

;Strikers ¹ 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup caps & goals

Recent and future international matches

ee also

*Federación Peruana de Fútbol
**Primera División Peruana
**Segunda División Peruana
**Copa Perú
*Chile and Peru football rivalry
*Peru national under-17 football team
*Sport in Peru
**Peru Davis Cup team
**Peru national basketball team
**Peru national cricket team
**Peru national rugby team
*CONMEBOL

References

External links

* [http://www.fpf.com.pe/ Peru FA]
* [http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/t/team/profile.html?team=per FIFA team profile]
* [http://www.peruenlosmundiales.8m.net/ All about Peru in FIFA World Cup] (spanish)
* [http://www.peruenlasolimpiadas.8m.net/ All about Peru in Olimpic Games] (spanish)
* [http://www.peruenlacopadeoro.8m.net/ All about Peru in the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2000] (spanish)
* [http://www.mundialsub17peru2005.8m.net/ All about the FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru 2005] (spanish)

succession box
before = 1937 fb-rt|ARG|alt
title = South American Champions
years = 1939 (First title)
after = 1941 fb-rt|ARG|altsuccession box
before = 1967 fb-rt|URU
title = South American Champions
years = 1975 (Second title)
after = 1979 fb-rt|PARsuccession box
before = 1998 fb-rt|Japan
title = Kirin Cup Champions
years = 1999 (First title)
after = 2000 fb-rt|Slovakiasuccession box
before = 2004 fb-rt|Japan
title = Kirin Cup Champions
years = 2005 (Second title)
after = 2006 fb-rt|Scotlandsuccession box
before = Inaugural Champions
title = Bolivarian Games Football Champions
years = 1938 (First title)
1947-48 (Second title)
after = 1951 fb-rt|Colombiasuccession box
before = 1951 fb-rt|Colombia
title = Bolivarian Games Football Champions
years = 1961 (Third title)
after = 1965 fb-rt|Ecuadorsuccession box
before = 1970 fb-rt|Bolivia
title = Bolivarian Games Football Champions
years = 1973 (Fourth title)
after = 1977 fb-rt|Boliviasuccession box
before = 1977 fb-rt|Bolivia
title = Bolivarian Games Football Champions
years = 1981 (Fifth title)
after = U-20 Tournaments
###@@@KEYEND@@@###