Peru’s national Under-15 football team stand as one of the favorites to win the gold-medal at the 2014 Boys’ Youth Olympic Football Tournament, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) said on Friday.
"After easing into the semi-finals [of the Olympic Football Tournament], gold-medal favorites Korea Republic and Peru each face awkward opponents as they continue their pursuit of glory in Nanjing," FIFA noted.
Likewise, the sports' governing body highlighted that the Peruvian team reached the second stage of the competition "thanks to strong performances in victories over Iceland and Honduras to top the group standings".
"Now they will have to raise their game if they are to keep their dream of reaching the final alive," it added.
Coached by Juan Jose Ore, the Peruvian team will must do it without Darwin Melendez, who scored a header in the 3-1 win over Honduras, as the striker is suspended.
Peru are set to face Cape Verde Islands at the Jiangning Sports Centre Stadium on August 24 in order to secure their place in the final's tournament.
(END) PVM/JSO/DLG