Peru vs Croatia Preview

Miami, FL – Hard Rock Stadium will host an important World Cup preparation match between Peru and Croatia tomorrow night at 8 pm. Both teams have qualified for the 2018 World Cup to be held in Russia. This will be Peru’s first trip to the World Cup in 36 years. The FIFA World Rankings have Peru ranked 11th in the world and Croatia 15th. Both squads have been training here in South Florida all week with practices having completed today.

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Peru and Croatia both carry huge expectations heading into this June’s World Cup. Peru has been in great form coming into Friday’s game. Even without the nations most popular player, [Paolo Guerrero] Los Incas have been riding high, unbeaten in their last 8 games. Their last loss came back in November of 2016 at home (2-0) against Brazil.

Croatian team captain, Luka Modric, was asked what he thinks about when he hears the word “Peruvian futbol”  and he replied simply “Guerrero”. The entire Peru team, with the exception of  Guerrero, who is suspended, has been training for several days in Sunrise. He is expected to finish his suspension and play in the 2018 World Cup, although his sanction is under review.

Here with @lukamodric10 at the @HNS_CFF press conference ahead of tomorrow nights clash vs @TuFPF at @HardRockStadium #WorldCupAction #Croatia #Peru #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/uG84DvPrYO

— Lemon City Live (@LemonCityLive) March 22, 2018

Croatia is coming into the World Cup with high expectations. They boast a powerful attack, lead by stars Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid) and Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona). Many others also headline and feature in top European leagues as well. Having not made it out of the group stage in the previous two World Cups, Vatreni (The Blazers) will look to capitalize on their talent and make a deep run in Russia this June. For us here in Miami, lets be sure to head out to The Rock tomorrow night and enjoy some world-class competition.

Complete Croatian Press Conference below.

Peru training photos credit – Sara Varela