Peru will continue to play defensively, says coach

LIMA, July 14 (Reuters) Peru coach Julio Cesar Uribe said that he would continue to place great emphasis on a strong defence.

''Peru should start our attacks and counter-attacks on the basis of a solid defence,'' he told reporters yesterday. ''That, definitely, is my conclusion after the Copa America.'' Peru, who traditionally play an attacking game, were knocked out of the tournament last Sunday in a 4-0 defeat by a rampant Argentina, all four goals coming in the second half.

Uribe's team opened the tournament strongly, beating Uruguay 3-0. They then lost 2-0 to hosts Venezuela amid a refereeing controversy and struggled to a 2-2 draw with Bolivia.

Uribe admitted he had got it wrong in the Bolivia game after making wholesale changes to the team.

''I know that in the World Cup qualifiers, I cannot make mistakes and I know that I made a mistake with my intentions in the match against Bolivia, where I wanted to be more aggressive,'' he said.

REUTERS BJR HS0924