Five things we learned from last week’s international friendlies

Should Peru be written off?

Peru have a taxing tournament ahead, and have been circled by many as a certainty to exit at the group stage phase.

While pitting against the likes of France and Denmark will undoubtedly prove an arduous task, pre-World Cup games indicate Peru are in the right place to embark on their venture at the biggest stage.

Superb performances against Scotland and Saudi Arabia, winning and keeping a clean sheet on both occasions, indicate their impressive preparations.

Most recently, in a friendly against fellow World Cup nation Saudi Arabia, Peru looked a far more potent side with veteran striker Pablo Guerrero back. His importance in a crushing 3-0 triumph was appreciated by the buoyant Peruvian supporters.

His controversial ban from the competition was recently rescinded, and a brace against the Saudis suggests he will make an impact for the Peruvians.

A failed drug test for cocaine looked to have left Peru without a real focal point, however that has quickly changed.

Peru haven’t lost since 2016, meaning their momentum heading into a first World Cup since 1982 is as high as they could want.

It has been far too long since the South Americans have treated their supporters to anything worth remembering. Though on an initial view they look huge underdogs, the anticipation and exhilaration ahead of the tournament could carry them further than expected.

La Blanquirrojas face another tough challenge versus Sweden before kicking their campaign off against Denmark.

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Peru will also come up against competition hopefuls France and Europeans Denmark.