An evening full of emotions, the National Team of Bolivia and Paraguay faced each other next Tuesday, November 19, in an intense game for matchday 12 of the South American Qualifiers. The Hernando Siles Stadium in La Paz witnessed a scene that brought together high-level football, resolving controversies and tensions that led to incidents between the players.
The scoring opened early, in the 16th minute, thanks to Ervin Vaca, who hit a powerful shot to the left from the left side of the area. The goal came after a deep pass from Ramiro Vaca, which left the Paraguayan defense with no options. However, the goal was not without controversy, since it was validated after a VAR review that confirmed the legality of the play.
From that moment on, Bolivia showed confidence in their game, controlling the ball and taking advantage of the height advantage, while Paraguay looked for spaces to generate danger with a counter attack led by Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso.
The second half saw a dynamic change. Paraguay began to tilt the field in his favor, and in the 70th minute he got the reward for his possession. Miguel Almirón equalized the score with an accurate shot to the left from the center of the area after an assist from Julio Enciso. The goal revitalized those led by Daniel Garnero, who began to push harder for victory.
However, Bolivia responded with encouragement, and in the 80th minute they found themselves with a golden opportunity: a penalty awarded after the intervention of the VAR for a foul inside the area. The tension in the stadium increased as players from both teams struggled on the field.
When Miguel Terceros converted the penalty in the 82nd minute, unleashing Bolivia’s euphoria, the atmosphere became chaotic. While the young scorer was celebrating with the fans and the representatives, the hurling, insults and even throwing balls between players from the two teams broke out on the field. The central referee had to stop the game and, after a few minutes of confusion, sent off Diego Gómez of Paraguay for his part in the fight.
Despite being down to ten men, Paraguay never gave up. In extra time, Julio Enciso emerged as the hero of the night as he scored the final tying goal. With a precise shot, Enciso silenced the stadium and sealed the score 2-2 in a duel that left mixed feelings for both teams.
What role does VAR play in football matches, particularly in high-stakes games like the Bolivia vs. Paraguay match?
Time.news Editor: Good evening, everyone, and welcome to this special interview segment. We have an expert in South American football, Dr. Mia Torres, joining us today to discuss the recently concluded match between Bolivia and Paraguay in the South American Qualifiers. Thank you for being here, Dr. Torres!
Dr. Mia Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s great to discuss such an exciting match.
Editor: It certainly was an evening full of emotions! The match took place at the Hernando Siles Stadium in La Paz, which is known for its altitude and the challenges it poses to visiting teams. How do you think the altitude affected the players’ performance during this match?
Dr. Torres: The altitude undoubtedly played a significant role. Bolivia has a clear advantage playing at home in La Paz, which sits over 3,600 meters above sea level. Their players are accustomed to these conditions, while Paraguayan players struggle with fatigue and breathlessness. You could see moments in the game where Bolivia capitalized on their stamina, especially after Ervin Vaca’s opening goal.
Editor: Speaking of that goal, it was scored in the 16th minute after a powerful shot from Ervin Vaca. The play went through VAR for a review. What was remarkable about that moment and the use of VAR in this match?
Dr. Torres: That goal was pivotal not just in terms of momentum but also because it underscored the ever-present tension surrounding VAR. It was initially controversial, as always with potential offside or foul calls. However, the VAR confirmed the legality of the play, which likely boosted the morale of the Bolivian team, giving them the confidence they needed to control the game afterward.
Editor: You mentioned Bolivia controlling the game. How did their strategy evolve after that opening goal, especially in relation to Paraguay’s tactics?
Dr. Torres: After the goal, Bolivia maintained a solid hold on possession, playing a more aggressive style, and utilized their height advantage both defensively and offensively. Paraguay, on the other hand, had to shift to a more reactive strategy. They attempted to create counter-attacking opportunities, relying heavily on players like Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso to exploit any gaps in the Bolivian defense.
Editor: What can you tell us about the overall atmosphere during the match, especially considering the emotional stakes for the teams?
Dr. Torres: The atmosphere was palpable! Matches like these are not just about points in the qualifiers; they carry national pride. The rivalry between Bolivia and Paraguay added to that emotion, leading to charging moments on the pitch and some contentious interactions between players. Such intensity is what makes South American football unique and exciting.
Editor: As we look forward, what implications do you think this match has for both teams’ prospects in the qualifiers?
Dr. Torres: For Bolivia, this match was crucial as it boosts their confidence and positions them better in terms of qualification hopes. For Paraguay, it’s a lesson in coping with high-pressure environments, especially when playing away. They will need to reassess their strategies and come back stronger in the next matches if they want to keep their qualification dreams alive.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights on this thrilling match. It’s clear that both the players and the fans experienced a whirlwind of emotions. We appreciate your expertise and look forward to seeing how the qualifiers unfold.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to the next matches, I’m sure there will be plenty of excitement ahead!
Editor: And to our viewers, stay tuned for more updates and analysis on the South American Qualifiers. Until next time!