Bolivia’s aspirations of qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup in 32 years are diminishing following a goalless draw with Uruguay, who have now picked up just one win in their last nine games (D6, L3).
After both sides fell to defeat last week, there was a clear nervousness around Estadio Municipal de El Alto – a stadium sitting 4,100 metres above sea level – making it one of the highest football stadiums in the world.
Uruguay began to see more of the ball after acclimatising to the altitude. Rodrigo Bentancur had the first sight on goal for the visitors but he failed to hit the target, before Bolivia began to assert themselves on proceedings.
Following a host of half-chances, which never really threatened Sergio Rochet in the Uruguay goal, Hector Cuellar was presented with the best opportunity of the first half when the midfielder was picked out in the box from a corner kick, but his effort sailed agonisingly over the crossbar.
The home nation finished the half the stronger of the two sides with more possession, but they failed to make their domination count against La Celeste, who failed to register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.
Bolivia dominated the matchFlashscore
Both coaches made changes ahead of the restart, but they had little effect on the contest, with neither side managing to take full control and create goal-scoring chances.
Bolivia began to resume control, as Ramiro Vaca tried his luck from distance with a free kick, but Rochet was equal to it, saving behind for a corner.
The home sides were getting closer to breaking the deadlock when, in the 69th minute, Gabriel Villamil almost caught Rochet out with an effort from the edge of the box, but the Uruguay stopper was saved by the woodwork as the shot cannoned off the post.
In the end, neither side was able to find the opening goal, resulting in their first draw in 10 meetings. Bolivia are now winless in five games (D2, L3), while Uruguay have won just once in their last nine games (D6, L3).
Flashscore Man of the Match: Sergio Rochet (Uruguay)
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