Coach defends starting star late

PERU coach Ricardo Gareca said he picked his best starting line- up for Saturday’s 1- 0 World Cup loss to Denmark, despite top scorer Paolo Guerrero not being part of it.

Guerrero, Peru’s all- time leading goal- scorer, was effective after coming on during the second half in Saransk, leading to Gareca being questioned later about his team selection.

“That was the decision we made,” the coach said. “We decided it most convenient to have that starting eleven.

“Paolo was the last one to come into the national squad. I really think he played very well. He was very fast, very quick and he got in there.”

Guerrero is at the World Cup after receiving a stay on a doping ban. He said he tested positive for the stimulant benzoylecgonine, which is found in cocaine, after drinking a tea and made it to Russia only after a long legal battle.

Guerrero came on in the 62nd minute with his side 1- 0 down and provided a spark.

The 34- year- old was lively and active, narrowly missing an equaliser when his slick back- heel from about 5m out just went wide of the post. Guerrero, who has scored 35 goals in 89 games for Peru, said he was prepared to do whatever he could to help the team.

“It was hard to be a substitute, but it was the decision of the coach,” he said. “It’s OK if he wants me there.”

Peru could face a do- or- die test in their next game against Group C favourites France on Thursday.

Another loss, combined with Denmark beating Australia on the same day, will end their chances of reaching the knockout stages.