FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Ecuador scores valuable point in Bolivia match

La Paz, Sep 11 (IANS)

Ecuador’s footballer Luis Antonio Valencia (L) vies for the ball with Bolivia’s Abraham Cabrera during their Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier match, in La Paz on September 10, 2013. (AIZAR RALDES/AFP/Getty Images)

Ecuador’s national football team only managed to draw 1-1 against Bolivia here, but it was enough to rack up a valuable point in its struggles to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Ecuador still has two opportunities in the South American qualifying zone to garner the three other points it needs to qualify for Brazil. Bolivia, however, is out of the contention, reports Xinhua.

Despite the importance of the game Tuesday night, Ecuador appeared to lack the incentive to make the most of several openings in Bolivia’s defences to score more than one goal.

Still, Ecuador controlled the game and even scored a goal, later discounted, with a nice combination play between Antonio Valencia and Jefferson Montero.

Bolivia seemed to charge the field at the outset, but lacked strategy. In the second half, it scored a goal, thanks to three-way teamwork between Ruddy Cardozo, Marcelo Martins and Jaime Arrascaita, who scored.

Ecuador tied in 56th minute following a penalty shot by Felipe Caicedo. The team was hoping to win the game and garner three points, but it was not to be.

The tie leaves Bolivia in last place in the South American standings, with a total of 11 points.

Ecuador is in fourth place, with 22 points and will play Uruguay in the next match, another key game in the South American qualifiers.