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Since he took over as coach of the U22 Peruvian team that will represent us at the Pan American Games, Nolberto Solano has set the goal of reaching the top of the podium. Therefore, he included four short preparation periods to select 18 players for the team that will compete in Lima 2019. The former captain of the Peruvian national team will seek to create a game’s identity before joining the Brazil 2019 Copa América staff.
The 25 players selected by Solano, including three senior reinforcement players, attended the first training session, at the Peruvian Football Federation Sports Center. Carlos Cáceda, national team goalkeeper, is one of the main representatives together with experienced striker Mauricio Montes, as well as the young talents of Alianza Lima and Sporting Cristal: Kevin Quevedo, Aldair Fuentes, Jesús Pretell, Fernando Pacheco and Gianfranco Chávez.
The team will finish this first short preparation period on Wednesday, focusing on tactical works and strengthening attack and defense techniques. Coach Hugo Alvez and physical trainer Adrián Vaccarini are part of the coaching staff. They, along with Solano, are also members of Ricardo Gareca's coaching team.
FOR THE GOLD
For most selected players this has been like a dream came true, as they are part of a national team for the first time. Players like midfielder Edhú Oliva or Brandon Palacios, son of Roberto Palacios, are excited about winning a medal in a tournament part of the Olympic circuit, and even more as being locals.
“We all know the importance of playing for the national team in any tournament. It’s the same feeling as going in a winning streak with the senior national team and even better with the support of our fans. As training sessions go by, we’ll work better and better with the group and with those coming to strengthen the team,” Caceda said.
Oslimg Mora stated that he hopes to avenge the bittersweet experience he had with the U20 team after not qualifying for the World Cup. “This is the first training and coach Solano explained us what he expects. He wants us to give our best to achieve something really important because we have a good team,” said the San Martín striker.
COMPETITION SYSTEM
Football competitions in Lima 2019 start on July 28, from 10:00, with the match between Mexico and Jamaica followed by Paraguay vs. Colombia, then Panama vs. Costa Rica, and finally, Peru vs. Argentina. Men’s competitions will start on July 29 with Panama vs. Mexico, Ecuador vs. Argentina, Jamaica vs. Honduras, and the last match will be Peru vs. Uruguay.
Pan American Games matches will be governed by FIFA rules. During the first stage, three points will be awarded per victory and one point per tie. The top two teams each group advance to semifinals. Ties will be settled with 30 minutes extra-times. If scores are still tied, a penalty shootout will be played.
MODERN SCENARIO
The stadium of the National University of San Marcos had good critics from participants in the South American U17 Championship, held two weeks ago. The main players and coaches of the ten national teams were quite impressed by the facilities, before and during their participation.
So far 35 U17 Championship matches and one friendly game of the women’s football team have been played on the level 1 synthetic grass field, with good reviews from participants. The stadium has a total capacity of 21,000 people in the three grandstands available for the competition.
