Back in the World Cup for the first time in 36 years, Peru are hoping the team can build on a groundswell of euphoria that greeted the 11th-hour court reprieve allowing their captain Paolo Guerrero to participate.
It was difficult for them to navigate their way during the qualifiers and only needed to beat New Zealand in a two-legged play-off to earn a place in the finals for the first time since Spain in 1982.
Captain: Paolo Guerrero
Manager: Ricardo Gareca
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Nickname: La Bicolor or La Blanquirroja
FIFA World Cup history (5 appearances)
Fixtures
Peru Vs Denmark
Peru Vs France
Peru Vs Australia
Key Men
1. Paolo Guerrero
Captain Paolo Guerrero is the face of the story behind Peru’s journey to the 2018 World Cup.
The 34-year-old was given a reprieve in the last minute from a doping suspension which he got after testing positive for traces of cocaine after a World Cup qualifier between Peru and Argentina on October 5.
Initially banned for a year, it was later reduced to six months on appeal last December.
That ban ended on May 3, making Guerrero eligible to play at the June 14-July 15 World Cup in Russia.
Now back, Peru can count on their inspirational captain to lead them to shock the world in Russia.
2. Jefferson Farfan
Peru can also count on Farfan, a 33-year-old who made a name for himself at PSV Eindhoven and Schalke and now plays in Russia for Lokomotiv Moscow.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Pedro Gallese (Veracruz), Jose Carvallo (UTC), Carlos Caceda (Municipal)
Defenders: Luis Abram (Velez Sarsfield), Luis Advíncula (Lobos), Miguel Araujo (Alianza Lima), Aldo Corzo (Universitario), Nilson Loyola (Melgar), Christian Ramos (Veracruz), Alberto Rodriguez (Junior), Anderson Santamaria (Puebla), Miguel Trauco (Flamengo)
Midfielders: Pedro Aquino (Lobos), Wilmer Cartagena (Veracruz), Christian Cueva (Sao Paulo), Edison Flores (Aalborg), Paolo Hurtado (Vitoria Guimaraes), Sergio Pena (Grenade), Andy Polo (Portland Timbers), Renato Tapia (Feyernoord), Yoshimar Yotun (Orlando City)
Forwards: Paolo Guerrero (Flamengo), Andre Carrillo (Watford), Raul Ruidiaz (Morelia), Jefferson Farfan (Lokomotiv Moscow)