All Whites' Dead End Road To Russia 2018

Damn, I could have sworn he played competitively for Italy before this. Just searched it up, played against Germany and San Marino (scoring 3 goals) but they were friendlies. Anyway, I agree he should 1000% go for Peru - he'll never have another season like the one he did for Pescara and he's a bit over the hill now. Still a pretty damn good player but it's a choice between having a one or two-cap career with Italy or be a star with Peru.

I just looked it up too and I can't believe he's already 27!! I thought he was 23 or something...so yeah he definitely needs to make a move.

I must say, he is a bit of a diver but he is also very good. Came on for Genoa against Roma two weeks ago and totally turned the game around and got them a point.

With Guerrero's ban I think he'll be Gareca's favorite replacement. It will be interesting to see how things develop.

as a Peruvian NT fan, I dont want him anywhere near the NT. He was asked and he politely declined saying he felt no connection to the country. As far as I am concerned he has made his choice (a totally understandable choice since he was born and raised in Italy and has dreamt of playing for Italy). So I hope that Gareca in the light of Guerrero's ban goes with Ruidiaz, Farfan and a younger peruvian player (he has a few limited choices). He also has the option of calling up Claudio Pizarro from cologne (but that would be a very unpopular call up)

Farfan is currently lighting up the Russian league and the Europa league (scored another 2 today in Russia and 1 in Europa days earlier). He will be the player to focus the attack on and just surround with player that fit his style (like Ruidiaz)

I thought a real standout for Peru against NZ, was Cueva - esp in the 2nd leg. He beautifully setup that first goal for Farfan.

He was a constant threat all game til being subbed.

That's seen through the eyes of an AWs supporter.

Cueva es Gareca's pet project. The guy had a bad time in Spain for Rayo Vallecano and attitude problems. The peruvian press and fans labelled him one more player that failed to live up to expectations. Gareca went against public opinion and selected him over fan favorite Cristian Benavente (currently tearing up the Belgian league) for the Copa America 2015. He is currently in Sao Paulo and surely a move back to Europe awaits him. His style would fit in Portugal, France or Spain.

in other news Peru got fined again (they have a few of those) for lasers and late team sheets. No homophobic chants this time which was good to see. Unsure if Argentina ever got fined for their use of lasers (visible on Guerrero's face in the last free kick of their match) but its Argentina so probably they get a pass ;)