Bolivia seal World Cup play-off spot with shock win over Brazil, Argentina stunned by Ecuador
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Bolivia's Miguel Terceros celebrates after scoring against Brazil on Sept 9.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LA PAZ – Carlo Ancelotti praised the efforts of his players, after Bolivia stunned his Brazil side 1-0 on Sept 9 to secure a spot in the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The Selecao had already earned their World Cup place, alongside great rivals Argentina, who also suffered a 1-0 defeat by Ecuador in the final round of South America’s qualifiers.
“On the positive side of today’s game, I saw the effort of the team, of the players, because it’s very difficult to play here. That was already known,” said Ancelotti.
“The players made a tremendous effort, the game was very complicated, difficult, both technically and physically.
“But based on what the team did in the games, I have maximum confidence in the team to have a successful World Cup, to fight every game.
“Today’s game was very special in every way. VAR awarded a penalty. These are things that can be improved.”
Bolivia’s Miguel Terceros converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time to secure the home win over the five-time World Cup winners in La Paz, a result which saw Ancelotti’s side drop to fifth in the standings.
The top six qualify automatically and Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay and Paraguay are the other teams who will advance to the World Cup Finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Bolivia will be joined in the play-offs by two teams from Concacaf as well as one each from the African, Asian and Oceania confederations in the hunt for two places at the World Cup.
The play-offs will take place in Monterrey and Guadalajara in March.
While Ecuador and reigning champions Argentina had already qualified for the World Cup, there was no shortage of intensity in their match in Guayaquil.
Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi was sent off in the 31st minute and the hosts capitalised on their numerical advantage when Enner Valencia scored a penalty, also in first-half stoppage time.
Ecuador were also reduced to 10 men when Moises Caicedo was dismissed in the 50th minute, but they held firm to claim victory and go second in the table.
Despite the loss, Argentina retained top spot in the standings on 38 points, nine ahead of Ecuador.
Colombia secured third place with a 6-3 victory over Venezuela in Maturin, with Luis Suarez stealing the show by scoring four goals to extinguish Venezuelan hopes of clinching the play-off place.
Uruguay finished qualifying in fourth place following a 0-0 draw with Chile in Santiago, while Matias Galarza’s strike gave Paraguay a 1-0 win over Peru in Lima, leaving them in sixth place. REUTERS
