Enner Valencia scored and missed a penalty as Bolivia won 3-2
Enner Valencia scored for Ecuador and missed a penalty in Ecuador’s 3-2 defeat to Bolivia on Monday 15 June.
The Bolivians recorded a surprise victory over La Tri, having taken a 2-0 lead after just 18 minutes. Ronald Raldes headed La Verde ahead before Martin Smedberg-Dalence curled an effort in from 25 yards out.
Ecuador were given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty for a seemingly innocuous challenge. The West Ham United striker ran up and confidently slotted the spot kick home however he was ordered to retake it.
Again Valencia ran up, full of intent, yet goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez guessed correctly and saved the spot kick.
Just before half-time, and it was Bolivia who were awarded a penalty. Striker Marcelo Moreno made no mistake, smashing his shot past Romel Quinonez.
Having established a seemingly secure lead, Bolivia visibly relaxed, almost to their cost. Swansea City’s Jefferson Montero burst through the defence before unselfishly squaring to Valencia, who could not miss from six yards out.
Spurred on by the lifeline, they carried on pressing and were rewarded when Miller Bolanos unstoppable drive flew in from 30 yards.
A nervy last ten minutes ensued, however Bolivia held on for a vital win.
Ecuador’s third and final group game is against Mexico on Friday 19 June, a game they will have to win to give them any chance of progressing to the knock out stages.
The Bolivians recorded a surprise victory over La Tri, having taken a 2-0 lead after just 18 minutes. Ronald Raldes headed La Verde ahead before Martin Smedberg-Dalence curled an effort in from 25 yards out.
Ecuador were given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty for a seemingly innocuous challenge. The West Ham United striker ran up and confidently slotted the spot kick home however he was ordered to retake it.
Again Valencia ran up, full of intent, yet goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez guessed correctly and saved the spot kick.
Just before half-time, and it was Bolivia who were awarded a penalty. Striker Marcelo Moreno made no mistake, smashing his shot past Romel Quinonez.
Having established a seemingly secure lead, Bolivia visibly relaxed, almost to their cost. Swansea City’s Jefferson Montero burst through the defence before unselfishly squaring to Valencia, who could not miss from six yards out.
Spurred on by the lifeline, they carried on pressing and were rewarded when Miller Bolanos unstoppable drive flew in from 30 yards.
A nervy last ten minutes ensued, however Bolivia held on for a vital win.
Ecuador’s third and final group game is against Mexico on Friday 19 June, a game they will have to win to give them any chance of progressing to the knock out stages.