Form and Line-up Peru
Peru are going through a prolonged crisis in terms of performances. The previous World Cup qualifying campaign turned into a disaster for the side — the team finished second from bottom, ninth, in the South American section, collecting only 12 points from 18 rounds. The arrival of distinguished Brazilian coach Mano Menezes to replace Juan Reynoso has not yet restored the team's former strength. In their last three friendlies, the visitors beat only modest Haiti 2:1, losing to Senegal 0:2 and failing to hold on to a win against Honduras 2:2.
The main problem for Menezes is the critical ageing of the squad and the complete absence of talented youngsters. The total transfer value of the entire Peru squad barely reaches 30 million euros. With no alternatives, the coach is forced to entrust key roles to 34-year-old midfielder Andre Carrillo and erratic 36-year-old goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Key numbers for Peru:
Have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine matches.
Have scored in six of their last seven friendlies.
Scored the fewest goals in World Cup qualifying — six in 18 matches.
Probable line-up (4-5-1): Pedro Gallese — Oliver Sonne, Renso Garkes, Luis Barco, Marcos Lopez — Joao Cabrera, Andre Carrillo, Cristian Noriega, Jairo Concha, Jesus Velez — Alexander Vidales.
Absentees: none.
Form and Line-up Spain
Spain have arrived in Mexico amid a barrage of fierce criticism from the local media. Supporters are alarmed by the recent results of the Red Fury in warm-up games — shock draws with Iraq (1:1) and Egypt (0:0). Luis de la Fuente is urging the press not to panic, reminding everyone that the team are under serious physical load and are going through a tough acclimatisation process in the Mexican heat. However, the personnel problems of the visitors really do look frightening: right before the World Cup, injuries have taken out the entire golden backbone of Euro 2024 — Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Mikel Merino.
In the absence of explosive wide forwards, de la Fuente is forced to reshape the attacking structure, putting his faith in the Catalan core. The main creative responsibilities will fall on Dani Olmo and the fit-again Pedri. Up front, instead of the usual physical reference point, a mobile Mikel Oyarzabal is expected to start. Positional errors from goalkeeper Alvaro Garcia in the last game have effectively closed the door on him starting — the place between the posts will go to ever-present Unai Simon.
Key numbers for Spain:
Have gone 29 matches without defeat.
Have kept clean sheets in seven of their last nine games.
Have scored at least twice in 14 of their last 16 matches.
Probable line-up (4-3-3): Unai Simon — Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella — Pedri, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz — Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo.
Absentees: Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, Alex Munoz (all doubtful).
