Peru is determined to reward the passion of its fans with a win against Australia

PERU’S fans have provided much of the World Cup’s colour and noise. It is for that exact reason the players are refusing to go home quietly in their final match against Australia, writes Michael McGuire.

Peru fans watch their country in action during the World Cup. Picture: AFP Photo

PERU’S fans have provided much of the World Cup’s colour and noise but with their team both pointless and goalless and already out of the tournament, they have had nothing to celebrate on the field.

But Peruvian defender Anderson Santamaria said his team is determined to reward the passion and dedication of their fans in their last game against Australia by finally giving them something to cheer about.

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“Peru needs to finish this World Cup in the best way,’’ Santamaria said at the team’s training centre in Moscow before flying out to Sochi to face the Socceroos.

“Australia needs to win to qualify, Peru doesn’t but Peru needs to win the game for the people.’’

As many as 50,000 Peru fans are believed to be in Russia to watch La Blanquirroja (the red and whites) play in its first World Cup finals in 36 years. There have been stories of people selling houses and cars to afford to be able to travel to Russia. There was one yarn about a fan who gained 25kg to qualify for an “obese” ticket after all the regular ones sold out.

Peru players leave the field after losing to France. Picture: AFP Photo

Santamaria said the fans deserved to go home with something as it was uncertain when Peru would again qualify for the World Cup given how long it has been since its last appearance.

“Peru is going to make a great match because they need it because the people is always with us and people need a great game and win, Peru needs that,’’

Santamaria came on for the injured Alberto Rodriguez in Peru’s 1-0 loss to France and is expected to retain his place for the game against Australia in Sochi on Tuesday.

Also definitely out is veteran forward Jefferson Farfan who was knocked unconscious after a clash of heads at training on Saturday and taken to hospital.

Santamaria was nearby when the collision happened and feared Farfan had suffered a serious injury.

“Personally, I thought the worst,’’ Santamaria said.

Peru fans watch their country in action during the World Cup. Picture: AFP Photo

“He was not moving. He did not move his legs or arms. His eyes were white and he only blinked. I never saw a situation like that.

“Luckily, he reacted well. The doctors did their job. We asked for help from the ambulance, which entered the field. Very good organisation in this sense.’’

Santamaría confirmed Farfan is now “out of danger.”

“Today or tomorrow we hope to have him with us but for now he is still in the clinic,” he said.