Denmark edged home 1-0 in their World Cup opener against Peru, but it was far from an explosive performance from Danish Dynamite – with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel their hero.
Yussef Poulsen proved their matchwinner when he put away Christian Eriksen‘s pass in their one true moment of quality. But Peru will look back at a missed penalty in the first half, with Christian Cueva blazing high over the bar when he could have put the South Americans ahead.
Here we analyse the performance of the Peru players.
PERU (4-2-3-1)
Pedro Gallese – 7:
A solid show from the South American stopper, stood up superbly to thwart Christian Eriksen’s late effort.
Luis Advincula – 8:
A rock defensively, his sublime block of Nicolai Jorgensen’s late effort was superhuman. He was always in the thick of the action and never looked like tiring.
Christian Ramos – 7:
Dealt well with the threat of Denmark’s big man, Jorgensen. Solid and sound throughout.
Alberto Rodriguez – 8:
A hulking presence at the back and was also a menace in the opposition box at every set-piece.
Miguel Trauco – 6:
Was able to pour forward in attack, while keeping track of Eriksen as the Tottenham man was largely kept quiet.
Renato Tapia – 6:
The 22-year-old didn’t look overawed on the big stage and bustled around the park with intent.
Yoshimar Yotun – 6:
One of the most experienced players in this Peru side and remained steadfast and gave Tapia room to push on.
Andre Carrillo – 8:
A livewire performance, never giving the Danish defence a moment’s peace. Stung Schmeichel’s hand early on, but won’t want to see his clumsy miss when teed up by Cueva.
Christian Cueva – 7:
The Sao Paulo schemer had a fearsome reputation coming in and solidified that, including four key passes, although tainted by woeful penalty.
Edison Flores – 5:
Buzzed about up front but lacked the killer touch, replaced by talisman Guerrero minutes after wasting a glorious chance created by Cueva.
Jefferson Farfan – 7:
This was a performance full of ferocity and energy that Al Jazira fans won’t recall seeing from him.
SUBS:
Paolo Guerrero – 7:
Instantly livened up Peru’s forays forward when he came on.
Raul Ruidiaz – N/A:
Gave Farfan a breather, no time to contribute.
Pedro Aquino – N/A:
Came on at the death as Peru tried in vain to equalize.