Renato Tapia recognizes Ricardo Gareca: “He took us to Russia, if everything goes well, to Qatar, it’s no coincidence”

In less than a month, the Peruvian team will face the winner of the match between Australia and the United Arab Emirates (the representatives of Asia) to meet one of the 32 qualified for the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Since Ricardo Gareca took office, it is the second time for the national team in this position: for playing in an intercontinental playoff.

In that sense, Renato Tapia, one of the referents of the ‘Tiger’ stage under the direction of Blaquirroja, spoke about the great work of the Argentine strategist. For the ‘Cabezón’, the influence of the DT has been “fundamental” in the growth of the national group, which is “very close” back to the World Cup.

“He instilled in us a different way of thinking, but also of playing. He knew of our quality, for many years Peruvian football and especially the national team was formed and forged by good touch, and he managed to exploit that good touch to its fullest.”, the Celta de Vigo soccer player from LaLiga Santander in Spain told Efe Agency.

For Tapia, the ‘Tiger’ Gareca is “leader” of a selection that is “anxious” for playing the play-off tie that will be played against the winner of the Australia-United Arab Emirates, which will be played in Doha on June 13. The commitment is agreed for one in the afternoon in Peruvian time.

“First he took us to Russia and now, if all goes well, to Qatar, and it’s no coincidence”the midfielder insisted on the importance of the coach, who led Peru to a World Cup in 2018 after 36 years.

In such a scenario, he said to be “sure” that getting to play the second consecutive World Cup is going to score “a guideline in Peruvian soccer, in the country”.

“We seek to make history. This tie can give you glory”said Tapia, who has no preference over the rival between Australia and the United Arab Emirates and avoids the role of favorite.

“There has been a lot of talk that we prefer one or the other, but we are focused on who we are as a team and what we can give. We don’t think about whether we are favourites, we know that we will face a great rival, whoever it may be”.