Jefferson Farfan has enjoyed a long and distinguished career but this summer will mark his first appearance at a World Cup with Peru.
The 33-year-old has won 79 caps for his country since making his debut in 2003, while only Paolo Guerrero, Teofilo Cubillas and Teodoro Fernandez have scored more than his 23 goals for Peru.
Indeed, Farfan’s most recent goal for his country was arguably his most important, as it was the opener in Peru’s 2-0 victory over New Zealand in last year’s inter-confederation play-offs – a goal and a result that sealed La Blanquirroja’s progress through to the World Cup finals.
Farfan’s European experience is also likely to be a huge asset for Peru at the finals, as he spent a combined 11 years as a player with PSV Eindhoven and Schalke – helping both clubs reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.
A brief move to the Middle East followed his stint at Schalke, but he is now back playing in Europe and this summer’s World Cup will have a familiar look to it, as he is currently playing in Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow.
That understanding and know-how is likely to be significant for a Peru side that lacks experience on the world stage and they are going to need to utilise all of Farfan’s qualities during the finals, as they have been drawn in a tough-looking group alongside France, Australia and Denmark.
Peru’s opening match of the tournament will be against the Danes in Saransk on June 16 and they are priced at 3.50 to win that match, while their European opponents are available at 2.10 and the draw is on offer at 3.30.
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