Peruvian fans in Wellington for the World Cup qualifying match against the All Whites tomorrow have a packed itinerary.
Marita, middle, with Alberto on the right and another fan getting geared up for the game. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
This afternoon they joined lunching locals in Civic Square where there was a football game between the local Peruvian community and the New Zealand Refugees Association.
More than 100 people were there.
Alberto travelled to New Zealand specifically for the big match.
"I'm not sure if a lot of New Zealanders will go to Peru to watch the game ... we love football, it is our passion."
NZRefugees Assoc vs Peru Community Friendly game Civic Square Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
The presence of home fans would help the Peru team, he said.
Marita moved here from Peru 13 years ago and has friends coming from Australia and Asia to support their home team.
"We have been practising our songs ... we are loud, we put all our passion when we do this, we jump and create the atmosphere, so it's the people who create the atmosphere and we will be like that tomorrow.
"We have also a flash mob at 12pm tomorrow, we have many things happening tomorrow and then we parade to the stadium, I asked people to bring traditional costumes."
Arrival of the Peruvian football team at #WLGAirport ahead of their clash with the #allwhites and fanfare from the Peruvian fans! pic.twitter.com/Ff0oApy6Rg
— Wellington Airport (@WLGAirport) November 10, 2017
Wellingtonian Jason was there in a Peru jersey and with his Peruvian wife.
He said he would be cheering for the visitors tomorrow night.
"On paper Peru should win but obviously football is played on the field so anyone can win."
Festivities in Civic Square in Wellington Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Jorge has crossed the Pacific from Peru and was determined to make the most of the trip.
"It's very exciting, because in South America soccer is the biggest sport, it's passion ... we follow our country.
"And it's a once in the world chance to see them. We're here to support!"
Peru fans were confident their team would take the first leg playoff. Photo: RNZ / Emile Donovan
Despite producing some top players in recent years, Peru's last World Cup appearance came in 1982 - which, coincidentally, was New Zealand's first.
But Jorge reckons the visitors have the first leg sewn up.
"1-0, that's my score."
Mario Vega travelled from Sydney with his children and said they were about to witness a slice of history.
"My whole lifetime I haven't seen them make a World Cup.
I've got my kids here - that next generation's going to see the Peruvians make the World Cup, we believe anyway."
As of last night there were 400 tickets left for the playoff at Westpac Stadium. The return match is in Lima on Wednesday.
