A penalty goal from striker Miguelito secured Bolivia a hard-fought victory against Brazil at the 4,150 meters altitude of El Alto and, with Colombia's help from afar, placed Oscar Villegas's team in the 2026 World Cup play-offs.

The Bolivian number 10 converted the spot-kick in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, in a match of the last round of the South American Qualifiers, played at the Municipal Stadium of El Alto.

The combination that Bolivia needed came from Colombia, who defeated Venezuela 6-3 in Maturin. With these results, the 'Verde' finished in seventh place, with 20 points, and secured the play-off spot, while the Venezuelans finished eighth, with 18.

In the opening minutes, Carlo Ancelotti's men took the initiative, but retreated as the game progressed, although Alisson showed security in goal. Young Enzo Monteiro, an under-21 standout, wasted two good chances, and Miguelito also ran into two saves from the Brazilian goalkeeper in the 16th and 24th minutes. The best opportunity for the 'Selecao' was a thumping shot from Richarlison in the 39th minute, saved by Carlos Lampe.

Already in stoppage time, Chilean referee Cristian Garay, after a VAR review, awarded a penalty for a foul by Bruno Guimaraes on Roberto Carlos Fernandez. Miguelito shot firmly into the left corner; Alisson guessed the right way, but could not save it.

In the second half, Ancelotti made four substitutions at once: Marquinhos, Raphinha and Chelsea youngsters Estevao and Joao Pedro came on, giving more energy to the Canarinho. Even so, Bolivia continued to create chances: Robson Matheus tried from outside the area in the 70th minute, and, late on, Carmelo Algaranaz forced Alisson into a spectacular save.

Brazil tried to press in the final minutes, but found a Bolivia determined to hold on to the result and a secure Carlos Lampe, who saved the last attacks.

Now, the intercontinental play-off will be played in March, in Mexico, in a hexagonal with six participants: one team from Africa, one from Asia, one from Oceania, two from Concacaf and Bolivia, representing CONMEBOL.

Miguelito

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