DUSHANBE, August 29, Asia-Plus – The Suwon Sports Complex is set to host an intriguing clash today, when tournament surprise packages Tajikistan and Peru show down for a place in the last eight. The teams are riding a wave of popular support from their countrymen back home, with day-to-day life in both countries grinding to a virtual standstill each time their heroes take the field, FIFA.com said.
Peru shocked many observers by finishing clear at the top in Group A, emerging from the first phase with the competition”s best defensive record. Thanks in part to the extraordinary team spirit in the
Jotitas”
camp, the South Americans picked up two wins and a draw from their three games.
Debutants Tajikistan, meanwhile, finished in third place in Group E, thanks to the three points earned from their 4-3 opening-game win over the USA.
Tajikistan are at full strength for Wednesday”s tie, though Peru must do without key defender Jairo Hernandez. On the plus side, coach Juan Jose Ore has forward Christian La Torre available again after missing two games through injury.
Peru and Tajikistan have never played each other at any level, in official or friendly action. In fact, this is only the second time the
Incaico
have appeared at the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals, and Korea 2007 is a historic first for Tajikistan.
FIFA.com cited Carlos Bazalar, Peru midfielder
as saying, “The Tajikistanis are quick and put you under pressure in your own half – it”s going to be a very tough match. We weren”t expecting to face them, but we have to take this match very seriously indeed if we want to keep winning.”
In the meantile, Pulod Qodrov, Tajikistan coach, said, “We”re very pleased to have qualified (for the next round); it”s an historic achievement for football in our country and Tajikistan as a whole. But now we”re here we can”t take our foot off the pedal. If we manage to get through it will make the fans following our progress back home incredibly happy.”
