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Peru Falls 2–1 to Chile in Sochi as Fabio Gruber Debuts in Protective Mask

The 23-year-old Nuremberg center back, long tracked by Peru’s federation, impressed in face protection stemming from earlier fractures.

Overview

  • Peru lost 2–1 to Chile in a FIFA friendly in Sochi, closing the European tour without a win under coach Manuel Barreto.
  • Fabio Gruber made his first appearance for Peru and wore a protective mask throughout the match.
  • The mask is a precaution related to facial fractures sustained earlier in Gruber’s career, a measure he also uses with his club.
  • Gruber is a regular starter at 1. FC Nürnberg under coach Miroslav Klose, having been monitored by the FPF for his form in Germany.
  • In comments to Bild before traveling, Gruber said he felt nervous but optimistic about his international future and intended to focus solely on football.