Peru and Paraguay meet in this final FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifier (WCQ) at the Estadio Nacional in Lima, with both playing for little but pride as qualification is now all but settled.
Match News and Current Form
Peru enter on the back of a 3-0 defeat to Uruguay, a result that sums up a forgettable campaign for the White and Red. Just as they did for Qatar in 2022, Peru will be watching next year’s tournament from home, but caretaker boss Óscar Ibáñez and his side will still want to avoid the shame of a bottom-place finish in CONMEBOL standings. They hold a two-point cushion over Chile heading into this final matchday, although a run of no win in four (D2, L2) won’t inspire much hope that they can take much from this game.
While already safely qualified, Paraguay are looking to get back on track after a second successive fruitless attacking display, this time against Ecuador, made it no win in two (D1, L1). Gustavo Alfaro might have safely navigated his side to next year’s finals, but he will surely be eager to finish the cycle by seeing his side pick up their first three away points of this qualifying cycle, which could see them finish much higher in the standings if other results go their way.
Head-to-Head History
Paraguay hold the edge in this rivalry (W23, D16, L19) but surprisingly haven’t beaten Peru since 2014 (D3, L9 since). The most recent clashes have been cagey affairs, with back-to-back goalless draws.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Peru have failed to score in seven of their past eight international matches.
The White and Red have avoided defeat in their last six CONMEBOL matches on home soil (W2, D4).
Paraguay have scored exactly two goals in five of their last eight international games.
Paraguay haven’t scored an opening goal in any of their away games in this WCQ cycle.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Christofer Gonzáles is one of the survivors from Peru’s last win over Paraguay in November 2022. He assisted the winner that day and assisted a goal in his last club game before the international break. Paraguay defender Júnior Alonso keeps grabbing attention for the wrong reasons, with a yellow card in each of his past three games for club and country.
Peru are missing Álex Valera and Edison Flores who were both forced to withdraw due to muscle injuries after being named in the squad for these internationals. Paraguay are missing several key players too, with the biggest arguably midfielder Mathías Villasanti who suffered a cruciate ligament injury late last month.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
While Peru have failed to impress this qualifying cycle, they have at least been more competitive at home. They don’t score often though, and nor do Paraguay historically on these shores, so we are backing a drab 0-0 in this game of little importance!
Author: David H