The spirits of the Colombians ahead of this encounter will definitely have some effects from their previous game which will be against Argentina four days before.
On paper, Colombia are favorites to win against Peru. The Coffee Makers are enjoying the prospect of qualifying to the finals of the World Cup whereas the Peruvians are virtually out of South Africa 2010.
Colombia boosted by Ivan Cordoba’s return
The Internazionale defender finally returns to the Colombia’s national football squad after being absent for nearly two years. The Italian Seria A champion is happy to be back in the squad now that Jorge Luis Pinto is no more in charge of the Colombian national team.
In October 2007, Cordoba had vowed not to play anymore under the former boss. Eduardo Lara is currently Colombia’s national team coach so the defender is definitely keen on returning from his long international departure.
"We talked about everything. Lara wanted to know about my form and I asked him some things about his working way. It was a very kind chat," Cordoba told the media.
"I've always wanted to play in the national team. To wear the Colombia shirt makes me feel proud. If I have to play Argentina, I will do that with the same will and professionalism as always.
"Now things are very different and all of us are thinking about the same goal - we want to go to South Africa. For several of us, this is the last opportunity to play a World Cup again.
"That is why we want to do our best to qualify."
A home game against Peru is certainly the best fixture for Colombia to refresh themselves after a big game against Maradona’s Argentina. However, the Colombians may not fall into the trap of complacency, despite the fact that Peru are the bottom club in the table.
