Lima, June 9 -- Peru has not abandoned its FIFA World Cup hopes despite facing long odds to reach next year's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, midfielder Edison Flores
said
The Blanquirroja sits ninth in the 10-team South American qualifying standings and must beat Ecuador in Lima on Tuesday to retain a mathematical chance of advancing.
"We remain hopeful, but we know we need the points," Flores told reporters on Sunday. "We just have to focus on working hard, on getting the coveted three points, and to do that, we have to play a solid game."
Peru is expected to be boosted by the return of Corinthians midfielder Andre Carrillo, who missed Friday's goalless draw with Colombia in Barranquilla due to a thigh injury. ...