At El Alto stadium on 9/9, Brazil controlled 58% of possession but lagged behind Bolivia in other key statistics. They managed 10 shots with 3 on target, compared to Bolivia's 23 shots with 10 on target.
In first-half stoppage time, the visitors conceded a penalty after the referee consulted VAR. Miguel Terceros converted the penalty, scoring the only goal of the match and securing 3 points for Bolivia.
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Samir Xaud, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), criticized Bolivia's hosting and organization of the match. Photo: CBF |
Samir Xaud, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), criticized Bolivia's hosting and organization of the match. Photo: CBF
El Alto stadium, situated nearly 4,000 meters above sea level, is the highest World Cup qualifying venue sanctioned by FIFA. The thin air and resulting lack of oxygen pose significant challenges for visiting teams playing at high intensity. Many South American teams have complained about El Alto being a nightmare for players, while Bolivia often uses this to their advantage, quickly exhausting their opponents.
Beyond the playing conditions, Xaud also alleged that Brazil faced unfair treatment in every aspect of the match. "We came here to play football, but what happened from the moment we arrived in Bolivia was truly 'anti-football'," he stated. "Even at 4,000 meters, we had to play against the referee, the police, and even the ball boys, who constantly took the ball off the field or threw it randomly onto the pitch. It was chaos, completely against the spirit of South American and world football. I hope CONMEBOL will investigate because everything was recorded. It's absurd."
Xaud further accused the local police of unacceptable behavior towards the Brazilian delegation. The CBF president said: "The way they treated the entire team and the coaching staff was terrible. We always welcome teams to Brazil with warmth and care. But here, it was the complete opposite. I am very angry."
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Coach Carlo Ancelotti argues with the referee after Brazil's 1-0 loss to Bolivia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Yahoo Sports |
Coach Carlo Ancelotti argues with the referee after Brazil's 1-0 loss to Bolivia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Yahoo Sports
Coach Carlo Ancelotti also expressed his dissatisfaction with the officiating. After the first half, the Italian coach argued with the referee as they walked into the tunnel. After the match, he condemned the time-wasting tactics employed by the ball boys. "The officials should control that, not the players, coaches, or the president," he said.
The loss doesn't significantly impact Brazil's World Cup 2026 qualification prospects. However, it marks their first defeat under Ancelotti and represents their worst World Cup qualifying campaign in history.
Ancelotti remained optimistic. "The World Cup is the ultimate goal. Based on what I've seen in these matches, I believe the team will perform well and be ready to fight every game," the 66-year-old coach stated.
Conversely, celebrations erupted in Bolivia. President Luis Arce praised the historic victory, with Bolivia now seventh and vying for a playoff spot in the 2026 World Cup. "The Bolivian team has achieved a feat," he proudly declared. "Defeating the giant Brazil right here in El Alto, the players have brought pride to the entire nation. This is a reward for their effort, belief, and hearts that beat strongly for football. We will continue to fight for a direct ticket to the World Cup."
Hong Duy (ESPN)
