The Sub-20 Peruvian Selection has faced a rocky start in the South American of Venezuela 2025, suffering consecutive defeats against Paraguay and Venezuela. The team’s struggles have sparked criticism from analysts and fans alike, especially regarding the performance of striker Víctor Guzmán.
A Disappointing debut
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Peru’s campaign began with a 2-1 loss to Paraguay at the Lara Metropolitan Stadium. Despite an early lead from juan Pablo Goicochea, the team couldn’t hold on. Paraguay equalized with a goal from Kmet, and David Fernández sealed the victory in the second half. This defeat was followed by a crushing 4-0 loss to Venezuela, leaving Peru in a precarious position in Group A.
Criticism of Víctor Guzmán
Víctor Guzmán, a key player for Alianza Lima, has come under fire for his lackluster performance. Sports commentator Diego Rebagliati expressed his concerns on Movistar Deportes, stating, “The things that surprise me most that Guzman does not have, is the air game. With how big it is indeed to have more presence in the air game.I do not say it is indeed easy to teach, but it is one of the things that with repetition, improvements.”
Former player ‘Chorri’ Palacios echoed these sentiments,adding,“The boy has a good biotype and all that,but there you realize that he still has a lot. Are he 18 years old? He is no longer a boy. He has to work on his physical condition, to go to attack the ball, to put the frentazo.” Palacios also questioned the coach’s decision not to give other forwards a chance, suggesting they might have performed better.
peru’s Fixture and Historical Struggles
peru’s upcoming matches include a clash against Chile on January 27 and Uruguay on January 29. The team’s recent track record in the South American Sub-20 has been dismal, with no victories since 2019. Here’s a summary of their last nine losses:
| Opponent | Score | Year |
|————–|———–|———-|
| Paraguay | 0-1 | 2019 |
| Ecuador | 1-3 | 2019 |
| Argentina | 0-1 | 2019 |
| Brazil | 0-3 | 2023 |
| Colombia | 1-2 | 2023 |
| Paraguay | 0-1 | 2023 |
| Argentina | 0-1 | 2023 |
| Paraguay | 1-2 | 2025 |
| Venezuela | 0-4 | 2025 |
Looking Ahead
With their next match against Chile, Peru faces a critical juncture in the tournament. The team must regroup and address its weaknesses to avoid early elimination. Fans are hopeful that the players, including Víctor Guzmán, can rise to the occasion and turn their fortunes around.
For more updates on the South American Sub-20 2025, stay tuned to our coverage.
Peru’s Sub-20 Struggles: A Deep Dive with Expert Analysis
Peru’s South American Sub-20 campaign in Venezuela 2025 has been far from ideal, with consecutive losses against paraguay and Venezuela. To better understand the team’s challenges and what lies ahead, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com sits down with football analyst and former coach, Carlos Mendoza, to dissect the issues and explore potential solutions.
Peru’s Rocky Start: What Went Wrong?
Senior Editor: Carlos, Peru’s campaign began with a 2-1 loss to Paraguay, followed by a 4-0 defeat against Venezuela. What do you think has been the primary issue for the team?
Carlos Mendoza: The primary issue has been a lack of consistency and cohesion. Against Paraguay, they started well with an early goal from Juan Pablo Goicochea, but they failed to maintain control. Defensive lapses and poor midfield transitions allowed Paraguay to turn the game around. Against Venezuela, the team seemed disorganized, and the defense was particularly weak, conceding four goals. These losses highlight a need for better tactical discipline and mental resilience.
Criticism of Víctor Guzmán: Fair or Unfair?
Senior Editor: Víctor Guzmán, one of the team’s key players, has faced significant criticism for his performances. What’s your take on this?
Carlos Mendoza: While some of the criticism is warranted, it’s significant to remember that Guzmán is still young and developing.He’s shown promise, particularly with his physical presence and ability to hold up play. However, as commentators like Diego Rebagliati pointed out, his aerial game needs enhancement. Former player ‘Chorri’ Palacios also highlighted his lack of aggression in attacking the ball. These are areas he can work on, but it’s also crucial for the coaching staff to provide the right guidance and support.
Ancient Struggles: A Pattern of Defeats
Senior editor: Peru’s Sub-20 team hasn’t won a match since 2019. How do you view this historical context, and what does it say about the state of youth advancement in Peru?
Carlos Mendoza: The statistics are concerning. Nine consecutive losses over five years indicate a systemic issue in youth development. While there’s talent in Peru, the lack of competitive exposure and proper training at the grassroots level is evident. The federation needs to invest more in youth academies and provide these young players with the resources and opportunities to develop their skills. without addressing these foundational issues, it will be challenging to break this cycle of underperformance.
Upcoming Matches: A Critical Juncture
Senior Editor: Peru faces Chile and Uruguay in their next matches. What must the team do to turn things around?
Carlos mendoza: These matches are crucial. The team needs to focus on improving their defensive association and midfield control. Chile and uruguay are strong opponents,so Peru must be disciplined and take their chances when they come. Players like Víctor Guzmán need to step up and lead by example. additionally, the coach should consider rotating the squad to bring in fresh energy and ideas. It’s a tough road ahead, but with the right approach, they can still make an impact in the tournament.
Conclusion: A Hopeful Outlook
Senior Editor: Thanks, Carlos, for your insights. It’s clear that Peru’s Sub-20 team has significant challenges, but there’s still hope for improvement. Fans will be watching closely as the team takes on Chile and Uruguay, hoping for a much-needed turnaround.
carlos Mendoza: Absolutely.It’s a tough situation, but with the right adjustments and a collective effort, Peru can still make strides in this tournament. The key is to learn from these early setbacks and come back stronger.
