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MAURICIO MONTES: “WE ARE GOING TO MAINTAIN THE PERUVIAN FOOTBALL IDENTITY AT THE PAN AMERICAN GAMES”
The striker considers we have an ambitious team that can have a central role in Lima 2019.
Only 10 days separate the men’s football team from their debut against Uruguay in the Pan American Games. The team, coached by Nolberto Solano,is really excited to play in the stadium of the National University of San Marcos, and make the first step in their journey for the gold.
In a team composed by young athletes, the striker of Ayacucho FC is in charge of scoring goals, but also wants to be an example of generosity in the field, because he is the most experienced player in the team. He waited many years to be called for the national team and now, he is days away from pursuing an unprecedented achievement for Peruvian football.
After working so hard in first division, is this call like a new debut for you?
You could say it is (laughing). I am excited for this opportunity to represent my country. In so many years playing football, I have always tried to look for regularity and in these last seasons, I have had it (with a great score average) and I was given the chance to be part of the Peruvian team.
It is a team with many young impulsive players that will give it all, and you will bring the experience.
I'm ready to give it all too. We are 18 warriors who will give their very best, first to advance to the next stage, and will continue the competition from there. We are really looking forward to the tournament.
Having started training before the other teams gives an advantage?
Planning is always important. We had four short preparation periods (before the Copa America), which helped us play together better. We are going to have an intense preparation to get fully involved in the tournament.
Are you motivated by the possibility that Ricardo Gareca considers you for the senior Peruvian team?
In this team there are many young players who may have a chance later in the other selection processes. In my case, I take it easy. I just have to train hard and perform well in the tournament.
What can we expect about the Peruvian football team at Lima 2019?
The team wants to play great football, controlling the ball, with a strong defense and fast counterattacks. Very similar to how the senior team plays (Nolberto Solano is the technical assistant of Ricardo Gareca). The idea is to keep the identity of Peruvian football.
How do you feel about the Pan American Games?
There is so much expectation. This big competition motivates us. We will share the opening ceremony with other important athletes and as I have seen, it will be great. We know that we will enjoy it.
And add another gold medal to the Peruvian sport record.
That will be amazing. We have a great ambitious team but we need to focus on beating the first three opponents and then we will see to the rest.
Peruvian fans will be with you at the San Marcos Stadium.
Fans’ support of the public will be very important, not only for us but also for all athletes in other disciplines. Cheer for Peru and help us win important awards for our sports.
This is the Peruvian football team calendar:
FOOTBALL AT LIMA 2019
Men’s football competitions at Lima 2019 start on July 29 with matches of Group A: Panama vs. Mexico (10:00) And Ecuador vs. Argentina (13:00). In the second session, the Group B starts with Jamaica vs. Honduras (17:30) and ends with Peru against the current Pan American champion Uruguay (20:30)
The Pan American Games matches will be governed by the FIFA rules. During the first stage, three points will be awarded per victory and one point per tie. The top two teams of 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.
What can we expect about the Peruvian football team at Lima 2019?
The team wants to play great football, controlling the ball, with a strong defense and fast counterattacks. Very similar to how the senior team plays (Nolberto Solano is the technical assistant of Ricardo Gareca). The idea is to keep the identity of Peruvian football.
How do you feel about the Pan American Games?
There is so much expectation. This big competition motivates us. We will share the opening ceremony with other important athletes and as I have seen, it will be great. We know that we will enjoy it.
And add another gold medal to the Peruvian sport record.
That will be amazing. We have a great ambitious team but we need to focus on beating the first three opponents and then we will see to the rest.
Peruvian fans will be with you at the San Marcos Stadium.
Fans’ support of the public will be very important, not only for us but also for all athletes in other disciplines. Cheer for Peru and help us win important awards for our sports.
This is the Peruvian football team calendar:
FOOTBALL AT LIMA 2019
Men’s football competitions at Lima 2019 start on July 29 with matches of Group A: Panama vs. Mexico (10:00) And Ecuador vs. Argentina (13:00). In the second session, the Group B starts with Jamaica vs. Honduras (17:30) and ends with Peru against the current Pan American champion Uruguay (20:30)
The Pan American Games matches will be governed by the FIFA rules. During the first stage, three points will be awarded per victory and one point per tie. The top two teams of 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.