Mauricio Soria’s men recorded a first Copa América win in nearly two decades to leave them on the verge of a dream quarterfinal spot.
On June 25, the second of four quarterfinals will take place in the Copa América. Most people expected Bolivia to be well into its holidays by then since the same day marks the 18th anniversary of the nation’s last win in the competition. Until now.
Mauricio Soria’s men are on the verge of the last eight following a stunning 3-2 success over Ecuador in Valparaiso which continues their unbeaten start to the 2015 edition of a tournament they have not won this their soul triumph in 1963. Indeed that last victory over Mexico on home soil in 1997 had sent them through to only the second final, and while they have a long way to go to match that feat this time around they have already upset the odds in a big way.
Against Mexico in Vina del Mar on Friday they were stubborn and structured but their attacking threat was all too brief in the competition’s most underwhelming match yet. Monday’s win came thanks to a blistering first-half performance in the most dramatic game so far. It was also one of Bolivian footballs’s greatest nights.
Soria sent his men out to go for the jugular against a team in which he’d spotted clear deficiencies when Ecuador lost to Chile on opening night. He made no bones about the fact he wanted to see a more prevalent threat in front of goal, telling a pre-match press conference: “We need to maintain our structure but we also need the three points. We need to make sacrifices and show forcefulness when the chances come.”
His players did all that and more. Ronald Raldes stooped to head home when Fidel Martinez stood off him at an early corner, then Martin Smedberg-Dalence hit a wonderful curling effort beyond Alexander Dominguez after the Ecuadorian defense had stood off Marcelo Martins Moreno as he took the ball down and found his Swedish-born teammate.
The striker would later add a third from the penalty spot moments after Enner Valencia had missed a re-taken spot kick which threatened to bring his side back into it. His side-foot finish early in the second half failed to spark the fightback Ecuador needed, despite Miller Bolanos’ stunning drive late on momentarily giving hope to the large contingent of Tricolor fans.
When it needed to be, Bolivia was every bit as resolute as it had been against Mexico, bolstered by the lead its exceptional first-half display had allowed them. It was a victory for team spirit and fight, but more so for daring and flair.
The Verde have responded to the doubts with proof that they have what it takes to challenge. The understated Mauricio Soria and his unfancied players are making a big noise.
Bron: ca2015.com
