Yoshi Yotun was at the center of a historic moment for the Peruvian national team, as La Blanquirroja made their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 36 years on Saturday.
The Orlando City SC midfielder was in Ricardo Gareca’s starting lineup in Peru’s Group C opener against Denmark in Saransk, becoming the first of the 19 MLS players selected to World Cup squads to step on the field in Russia.
Yotun, who played the entire 90 minutes of Peru’s 1-0 loss to Denmark, was at the heart of his team’s terrific start, putting a dangerous shot from distance on frame in the eighth minute. But Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel made the save.
He was arguably Peru’s best player throughout the match, leading his team in multiple categories.
Portland Timbers midfielder Andy Polo was on the substitute’s bench, but did not play.
Peru next faces France, which defeated Australia, 2-1, on Saturday, in Yekaterinburg on June 21.
