Peru aiming for Copa America final

Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-24 10:08:49|Editor: huaxia
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LIMA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Peru will not settle for anything less than an appearance in the final of the Copa America this summer, midfielder Yoshimar Yotun said on Thursday.

The 29-year-old Cruz Azul playmaker was one of only five players to attend the national team's first training session on Thursday as they prepare for the continental tournament in Brazil.

"Expectations are the highest," Yotun told reporters. "Our aim is clear and obviously we want to reach the final."

The remainder of Peru's preliminary 40-man squad will arrive in the coming days before head coach Ricardo Gareca trims the list to 23 on May 30.

Others to train on Thursday were defenders Miguel Araujo and Anderson Santamaria, midfielder Renato Tapia and forwards Edison Flores and Luiz "Beto" Da Silva.

Tapia said he was in the best form of his career, having benefited from regular playing time for Dutch side Willem II, where he is on loan from Feyenoord.

"We have players in good form and that lends itself to hope," Tapia said. "We are going to give 100% and that gives us peace of mind."

The Copa America will be played in five Brazilian cities from June 14 to July 7. Peru have been drawn in the same group as the hosts, Bolivia and Venezuela. Enditem

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