It was make or break for Bolivia ahead of kick-off, with a win needed along with a result elsewhere going in their favour, to be within a chance of making next year’s tournament. Their opponents, Brazil, were much changed from their 3-0 success against Chile last week, with nine alterations in total. It was a nervy opening quarter hour as Bolivia struggled to get settled into the contest.
Miguelito was the player involved in all the action going forward for the home side, first flashing a free kick into the side netting, before having multiple efforts saved by Alisson.
La Verde dominated large parts of the first half, registering 14 shots, but still, Liverpool’s stopper was untroubled in his goal. That was until first-half stoppage time, when the hosts were awarded a penalty after Bruno Guimaraes was adjudged to have fouled Roberto Fernandez in the box.
Miguelito stepped up and fired his side into the lead going into the break and provisionally in the play-offs as things stood at HT, with Venezuela level with Colombia.
With the one-goal lead, Bolivia knew they just had to protect it and hope Venezuela would not restore their advantage against Colombia, and La Verde’s fans were given a boost in the stadium after news arrived of two goals against La Vinotinto.
Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil were not here to lie down, however, with the Italian boss making four changes on the hour mark, including heavy hitters Raphinha and João Pedro, along with his Chelsea teammate Estevao.
Despite the changes, Bolivia looked the likeliest to net, but scrappy finishing was the home side’s downfall and prevented them from making their evening a comfortable one, especially with news that Colombia added two more goals.
However, thanks to a brilliant performance against Brazil, along with Los Cafeteros blitzing Venezuela, La Verde were able to clinch the play-off spot, as they aim to make it to the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time in 32 years.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Miguelito (Bolivia)
