New Zealand v Peru – International Friendly 
Sunday 5 June, 5:30pm (Local) | Monday 6 June, 3:30am (NZ)
RCDE Stadium, Barcelona, Spain

The All Whites build up to their biggest game in five years with a rematch of the last one, the 2017 Intercontinental Play-Off against Peru. 

The South American side will be a tough test as they build up to their own Intercontinental Play-Off against Australia or UAE. 

Ranked number 22 in the world, La Blanquirroja have heaps of experience and will be backed by a strong local crowd with 33,000 tickets sold so far, the majority to the large European-based Peruvian community. The first All Whites game with fans since 2019 may be happening in Barcelona but it may feel like Lima. 


What Danny Hay said about playing Peru:

“Obviously it’s a great chance to get a good hit out against a quality side... We know we are going to be tested. We know that we are going to find out a lot about ourselves and our strengths, our weaknesses. But ultimately this is just focusing on us because the end game is the Costa Rica fixture. We know that’s the big one that we need to win.”


Likely All Whites Team:

Danny Hay will be looking to name a strong team for arguably the toughest test so far of his tenure. 

Chris Wood has overcome slight injury concerns and is available to start if called upon. There are no other injury concerns. 

With the Spanish heat likely to play a factor, players coming off the bench could play a key role as the game unfolds. 

For players, this is their chance to force their way into the starting line-up for Costa Rica so expect everyone who takes to the pitch to look to stake their claim. 


Key Player To Watch: Renato Tapia  

Peru are an experienced side, as demonstrated by the 1,176 combined caps in their 28 man squad. The All Whites in comparison have 468 caps across 26 players. 

One man to watch is defensive midfielder Renato Tapia. The 26-year-old Celta de Vigo player is an ever present for the national side and a regular in La Liga. Tapia will be looking to provide the steel in the middle of the park allowing the attacking talent around him to flourish. 


How To Watch:

What live on Sky Sport NZ from 3:20am (NZ). 


Article added: Sunday 05 June 2022