The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil is still more than two years away, but qualifying matches have already begun.
The Peruvian national team played its first three qualification matches during the final months of 2011. The team got off to an excellent start with a home win against Paraguay, but away losses to Chile and Ecuador have already put Peru under pressure. For the Peruvian team, its fans and Peruvian soccer in general, 2012 is going to be a big, big year.
The South American (CONMEBOL) qualifying group is tough... very tough. As tournament hosts, Brazil does not have to go through the qualifying process. But that still pitches Peru against world-class opponents such as Argentina, Paraguay, Chile and Uruguay. Four teams can qualify from the group, guaranteeing a place in the World Cup finals. The fifth-placed team will have to play in an intercontinental play-off, a last-gasp opportunity to reach the World Cup.
After three matches, Peru currently sits in eighth place in the nine-team South American group (Bolivia is stuck at the bottom). There's still a lot of soccer to be played, but the pressure is on.
For travelers to Peru, the South American qualifying group provides a few opportunities to watch some tense international soccer. Peru has a friendly against Tunisia on February 29 (if you're in Peru, watch it in a bar with the locals). More friendly matches will be scheduled for 2012, but the World Cup qualifying matches are the ones to watch out for:
June 2, 2012 -- PERU vs. Colombia
June 9, 2012 -- Uruguay vs. PERU
Sept 7, 2012 -- PERU vs. Venezuela
Sept 11, 2012 -- PERU vs. Argentina
Oct 12, 2012 -- Bolivia vs. PERU
Oct 16, 2012 -- Paraguay vs. PERU
Peru plays its home games at the Estadio Nacional in Lima. If you're visiting Peru at the time of one of the above home matches (versus Colombia, Venezuela or Argentina), I'd definitely recommend trying to get some tickets. Peru versus Argentina is a particularly mouthwatering prospect. For qualifying fixtures in 2013, take a look at FIFA's South American Zone schedule.
Related Articles:
What is the best way to get tickets? And is it safe for Americans during the tense games?
Hi Jeff,
Tickets are sold through the Tu Entrada website (for most, if not all, Peru internationals). There are also Tu Entrada ticket booths in Plaza Vea supermarkets — you’ll find plenty of them in Lima. It’s one of the best ways to buy tickets, but be prepared for long queues. Tickets normally go on general sale a month to two weeks before each game.
Crowd violence isn’t a big problem in Peru, but there have been some serious incidents in recent years, mainly between rival club sides. International matches should be fine — nothing to worry about. Getting home after the match can be tricky, lots of people and not enough taxis, but you’ll find something eventually (if possible, arrange a pick-up in advance).
Hope that helps.
Thanks for the article! Would love to see the Peru/Argentina match that’s coming up. Checked Tu Entrada website and there’s only parking tickets available– is that because they’re sold out or because tickets aren’t available yet? Or, will it be possible to purchase tickets at a Plaza Vea supermarket just a few days before the match?
Hi Kristen. I’m in the UK at the moment, so I’m not too sure what’s happening with Peru Argentina tickets. I checked the Tu Entrada website — there doesn’t seem to be any option to buy tickets, so they’ve either sold out or are now only selling through Plaza Vea etc. I wouldn’t be surprised if the game is sold out already. The only option might be resale tickets (touts) outside the stadium, but that will cost a lot of money and there’s a risk of buying a fake. If you’re in Lima now, it might be worth going to one of the sale points just in case tickets are still available. I’ll see if I can find out more — will let you know if I do.
Peru sucks at soccer dude.. an I am a Peruvian
how sad, this guy to say “peru” sucks, and he calls him self, peruvian. SHOULD NOT EVEN BE CALLED PERUVIAN. Be proud of your country dude! we have the best food in the world!
Peru 2 Venezuela 1
I livs in the usa pero peruano hasta la muerte que viva el peru carajo!!!!