Bolivia national football team kept their FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a 2-1 comeback victory over Suriname national football team in an inter-confederation playoff semi-final on Thursday in Monterrey, Mexico.
Suriname took the lead early in the second half when Liam van Gelderen capitalised on a goalmouth scramble, scoring from close range after goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra failed to clear the danger.
Bolivia responded strongly, with substitute Moises Paniagua equalising in the 72nd minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box.
The decisive moment came in the 79th minute when Bolivia were awarded a penalty following a foul by Myenty Abena on Juan Godoy. Miguel Terceros converted from the spot to complete the turnaround.
The match was played at Estadio BBVA in front of a largely Bolivian crowd, with Gianni Infantino in attendance.
With the win, Bolivia move into the playoff final, where they will face Iraq national football team for a place in the World Cup group stage. A victory would mark Bolivia’s first appearance at the tournament since 1994.
Suriname, meanwhile, saw their historic bid to qualify for their first World Cup come to an end despite a promising performance.
