The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ is getting closer – 51 days to go!

In less than two months' time – on 14 June, to be precise – the 21st FIFA World Cup™ kicks off at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, as the hosts take on Saudi Arabia.​

That leaves us plenty of time to enjoy a countdown. Between now and the start of the World Cup, we will take a closer look at a different statistic from the history of the tournament each day.​​

51 The number of Peruvian players to have featured at FIFA World Cups™. Peru caused a stir at their maiden appearance at Mexico 1970 thanks to their attractive playing style, but had the misfortune of going up against a Brazilian side containing Pele, Rivelino, Jairzinho and a number of other big stars in the quarter-finals.

Indeed, such was Peru's attacking prowess that they ended up with the third best goals-per-game average (2.25) at the finals, behind only champions Brazil and Germany FR.

The South Americans also participated at Argentina 1978, where they reached the second round ahead of Scotland, and at Spain 1982, where they were unable to progress beyond the group stage.

Several of the most illustrious names in Peruvian football represented their nation at the global showcase, including Hector Chumpitaz, Cesar Cueto, Hugo Sotil, Julio Cesar Uribe, Juan Carlos Oblitas and, of course, Teofilo Cubillas.

El Nene is a legend of the game, making more World Cup appearances (13 across Mexico 1970 and Argentina 1978) and scoring more goals (ten; five at each tournament) than any other Peruvian player.