Bolivia defeated Brazil 1-0, marking Ancelotti’s first defeat as Brazil’s manager. Terceros’ penalty secured the win at high altitude. Colombia also triumphed over Venezuela 6-3. This result put a dent in Brazil’s qualifying campaign.
In a stunning turn of events, Bolivia defeated Brazil 1-0, handing Carlo Ancelotti his first defeat as the Selecao's manager. Miguel Terceros' penalty in the first-half stoppage time proved decisive at the Estadio Municipal El Alto in La Paz, giving Bolivia a crucial victory and a potential lifeline in their quest to reach their first World Cup since 1994.
The altitude of La Paz, which sits at over 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) above sea level, played a significant role in the match. Brazil visibly struggled to cope with the thin air, lacking their usual rhythm and sharpness. Bolivia, accustomed to the conditions, pressed their advantage from the outset.
Early in the game, Bolivia threatened when Luis Haquin's cross narrowly evaded Enzo Monteiro, signaling their intent. Terceros then tested Alisson Becker with a curling strike that whizzed past the post. Brazil, on the other hand, looked sluggish, struggling to string together meaningful passes or create clear-cut chances.
The pivotal moment arrived late in the first half when Bruno Guimaraes, attempting to recover possession after a cheap giveaway, fouled Roberto Fernandez inside the penalty area. Terceros stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Brazil emerged for the second half with renewed determination, but Bolivia remained resolute in defense. Terceros almost doubled Bolivia's lead in the 71st minute, but Alisson Becker was equal to the task, parrying his shot away. The Liverpool goalkeeper was called into action again two minutes from time, producing a stunning save to deny Carmelo Algaranaz's glancing header off the line.
Despite Ancelotti's tactical adjustments, Brazil failed to breach the Bolivian defense. The defeat highlighted the challenges facing Ancelotti as he seeks to mold the Selecao into a cohesive and dominant force.
Meanwhile, in other South American World Cup Qualifying action, Colombia secured third place in the table after a thrilling 6-3 victory over Venezuela. Luis Suarez starred for Colombia, scoring four goals, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in a South American qualifier since Uruguay's Luis Suarez did so in 2011.
Data Debrief: Ancelotti's Brazilian Beginning
Carlo Ancelotti's tenure began with promise, as he secured qualification to the World Cup. Brazil managed an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.36 from their 10 shots, only three of which were on target, compared to Bolivia’s 1.78 from their 23 attempts, highlighting the disparity in performance. Although he only managed the final four games of qualifying, it was statistically, their worst showing in the South American qualifiers with a 52% success rate.
Colombia and Venezuela, meanwhile, played out the joint-highest-scoring game in the history of South American qualifying, tied with three other matches that took place at least 60 years ago (Chile 7-2 Colombia in 1965, Peru 6-3 Venezuela in 1965, and Argentina 6-3 Ecuador in 1960).
The loss against Bolivia serves as a wake-up call for Ancelotti and Brazil, exposing vulnerabilities that need addressing if they are to contend for the World Cup. For Bolivia, the victory provides a glimmer of hope as they strive to secure a place in the intercontinental play-offs and chase their World Cup dream.