Peru-Colombia 1981: with what attitude did the bicolor come out that afternoon at the Nacional?

Peru came from tying with Colombia in ‘El Campin’ in Bogota. That July 26, 1981, Guillermo La Rosa’s superb header, four minutes from the end, sealed the 1-1 at the start of those qualifiers against Spain 82. The rematch would be in Lima, a few weeks later. The other selected from the group was Uruguay. They were, then, the same teams with which the Peruvian national team now disputes the 4th and 5th places in the qualifying rounds. Qatar 2022.

In Lima, the Peruvian team knew that they had to win the game no matter what. In this way they would take advantage of the ‘colochos’ and face the Charrúas who were the favorites to win the group with better weapons. But, Peru was pure strength, skill and heart. And on the field he would show it.

With this clear disposition, the eleven men of the Brazilian coach Elba de Padua ‘Tim’ they stepped on the grass Lima National Stadium. Some anxiety, some nervousness was perceived on their faces, but above those understandable feelings at the moment, the well-defined character of a team that felt capable of great feats was also visible. It was a group of winners.

On Sunday, August 16, 1981, Colombia arrived at the Lima National Stadium with zape, the goalkeeper, and the defender ‘Pacho’ Maturana (an acquaintance of ours) at the head of a squad that came to do battle, by the way, with a mixture of technique and strength, more the latter than the former; a squad led by the Argentine (former ‘pincharrata’ of Silver students), Carlos Salvador Bilardo.

It was a key game: the goal, like now, in 2022, was to go to the World Cup. In that case, Spain 82. With that dream we went to rest, with the slightest advantage, a goal that was made after the center of Juan Carlos Oblitas and the firm, precise and agonizing definition of Guillermo ‘Patrol’ Barbadillo.

In the second half, the abrupt game of the ‘coffee growers’, encouraged by Bilardo, tried to prevail in the Jose Diaz field. As a consequence of this persistent violence, not only was a visiting player sent off, but he was fouled inside the box by ‘Chiquillo’ Jaime Duarte. A fault that the ‘Diamond’ Julio Cesar Uribe converted into a goal in a perfect shot of the eleven steps.

With power and location, Uribe scored in the 71st minute of the second half, leaving the good Archer Zape lying towards the side where the ball went. The Lima National Stadium it became a public square with the revelry of the bicolor fans. Later, on that dreamy afternoon, the party would spread to streets, parks and avenues throughout Peru.

Peru took Colombia out of the race, which was left with few options to go to the Spanish World Cup, and waited for Uruguay to define its presence at the European event. The newspaper Trade compared the celebration for the victory against Colombia with the celebrations of the selection of Didi, in the qualifying rounds Mexico 70.

If before, that 1981, Peru was a racing car of strength and technique with true gladiators like ‘The Granite’ Hector Chumpitaz or the ‘Baker’ Ruben Diaz; the ‘Patron’ Jose Velasquez, the ‘Poet of the Left-handed’ César Cueto; the ‘Tank’ Guillermo La Rosa and the ‘Blind’ Juan Carlos Oblitas; In addition to the elegance and strength of the ‘Diamond’ Julio Cesar Uribe and the ability to ‘Patrol’ Geronimo Barbadillo; today, in 2022, the national team also has men capable of making history.

They will not be gladiators like the ones from the 80s, but they are young athletes, well-rounded sportsmen and sons of Peru, and without a doubt all of them with affection and unconditional love for their country. The elasticity of Pedro Gallese; the speed of Luis Advincula, the force of Alexander Callens; the skill and intelligence of Yoshimar Yotún Y Renato Tapia; the unexpected genius of christian cave, and the lethal resources of Andre Carrillo Y Gianluca Lapadula near the rival goal, they give us the conviction that this Peru will make us remember those old feats like those of 1981. And they will make us feel today, Friday, January 28, 2022, game day in Barranquilla with Colombia, a little closer to the World Cup in Qatar this year. We do not doubt it.

To go out, like in 1981, to give everything for Peru!

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