Renato Tapia: “We are with all the strength and enthusiasm to go straight in”

Renato Tapia, one of the protagonists of Peru vs. Ecuador analyzed the 1-1 at the National Stadium for date 16 of the Qualifiers. For the midfielder, the modifications and the change in attitude were key to keeping a point at home. Likewise, the Celta de Vigo player sent a message to all the fans that he supported throughout the match and in the run-up to the game in Lima.

The reaction of the team to draw

We knew how to react to Ecuador, which came to do its job. We don’t expect a cut game, with a referee who didn’t help much in the process of the game. We find ourselves in a completely different reality. We did not know how to handle it, the goal came from a ball. That made us catch cold. The change came because of the guys who came in because they helped us a lot. Because of that, we were able to reverse the marker.

Point assessment at home

We give value to the point obtained, it is an important point. It is difficult to add three and, above all, they are tough rivals, Colombia has already shown it and now Ecuador. We seek victory, we try to propose, we have a structure, we value this point. We are motivated to face the following dates.

Process of the match

We try to go out to win, regardless of whether we leave spaces behind. A lot of work was done in the few days we had. Unfortunately we couldn’t handle the first half, but the second was more formality for us.

Change of position in the second half

In the second half the changes helped. The guys who entered did well. Moreover, Edison (Flores) scored the goal. The change of attitude was key, considering that Ecuador would play its game and we focused on what we wanted. It was possible to tie a tough game because from now on it will be like that, it will not be played as much, friction will be sought. The obligation to find the three points will make the other teams play simpler and reach the areas faster.

Are there still chances to qualify directly?

It’s still a very understated word. We are with all the strength and illusions to get involved directly. We know we can, it’s up to us, we have the next game with a direct rival like Uruguay. So, thinking about that, that didn’t happen many dates ago and more so in the Qualifiers. The group is committed to the objective and we are sure that we will achieve it.

Message to the fan

On behalf of the group, I want to thank all the people who came. I know that the 70 percent capacity was made at the last minute, but people responded well. We thank you very much for everything you gave, not only here on the court, the displays of affection at the hotel. We are happy to receive that affection and we will try to give everything to get to the World Cup, which is how it will be.