At the 48th minute of the first half, on September 9, 2025, Bolivia took a 1-0 lead over Brazil at the Municipal Stadium in El Alto, during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Miguelito’s penalty goal, following a foul by Bruno Guimarães confirmed by VAR, reignited Bolivia’s hopes of reaching the repechage. The match, which started at 8:30 PM, is ongoing, with Bolivia capitalizing on the 4,150-meter altitude and crowd pressure to dominate. Brazil, missing players like Casemiro and Wesley, struggles to create plays and needs to respond. The VAR decision at the 46th minute was pivotal, shifting the game’s momentum.
The match is crucial for Bolivia, which relies on a win and a Venezuela stumble against Colombia, currently tied at 2-2. Brazil, second with 29 points, aims to hold its position, but the altitude and defensive errors complicate matters.
- Game highlights so far:
- Miguelito shines with a penalty goal at 48 minutes.
- Bolivia presses with quick plays and crowd support.
- Brazil struggles with passing errors and lack of creativity.
Bolivia dominates with intensity
Bolivia came out aggressively, using the altitude and crowd support to set the pace. From the opening whistle, the home team created clear chances, like Haquín’s long-range shot at 6 minutes, forcing a great save from Alisson. Miguelito, the main orchestrator, led the offensive efforts, culminating in the penalty goal at 48 minutes. Brazil, meanwhile, struggled to adapt, with passing errors from players like Fabrício Bruno and Alexsandro. Bolivia’s average of 3.9 shots per game in the qualifiers reflects their aggression, while Brazil, with 5.9, has yet to find its rhythm.
Miguelito’s penalty, struck at mid-height, caught Alisson off guard, who nearly reached it. The El Alto crowd erupted, sensing the chance for a historic win, reminiscent of the 1993 victory over Brazil.
- Bolivia’s strengths:
- Leveraging the 4,150-meter altitude.
- Miguelito leading with dribbles and shots.
- Constant pressure, averaging 3.2 corners per game.
- Passionate crowd boosting the team in El Alto.
Timeline of key moments
The match has been marked by intense moments, with Bolivia creating the best chances and Brazil trying to respond. Below are the key moments up to the 50th minute of the first half:
- 6 minutes: Haquín’s long-range shot forces Alisson into a great save.
- 7 minutes: Enzo Monteiro fluffs a finish after Medina’s cross, missing a clear chance.
- 16 minutes: Miguelito enters the box and shoots hard, but Alisson saves, conceding a corner.
- 37 minutes: Richarlison breaks into the box and shoots, but the ball is deflected, earning Brazil a corner.
- 46 minutes: VAR confirms a penalty for Bruno Guimarães’ foul on Roberto Fernández.
- 48 minutes: Miguelito converts the penalty, giving Bolivia the lead.
The game remains intense, with Bolivia keeping up the pressure and Brazil looking to reorganize after conceding.
VAR decision shifts the game
The VAR review, started at 45 minutes, was the defining moment so far. Chilean referee Cristian Garay reviewed a foul by Bruno Guimarães on lateral Roberto Fernández and confirmed the penalty at 46 minutes. The call sparked protests from Brazilian players but stood, leading to Miguelito’s goal. The Chilean officiating team, with Garay, Miguel Rocha, Juan Serrano, and Rodrigo Carvajal on VAR, has been strict, as seen in Alisson’s warning at 17 minutes for delaying play.
Brazil’s average of 2.2 yellow cards per game in the qualifiers suggests they must stay composed to avoid further sanctions. The penalty marked a turning point, giving Bolivia the edge and piling pressure on Brazil.
Brazil’s struggles in El Alto
The 4,150-meter altitude of El Alto’s Municipal Stadium has been a major hurdle for Brazil. The team, lined up with Alisson, Vitinho, Alexsandro, Fabrício Bruno, Caio Henrique, Andrey Santos, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá, Samuel Lino, Luiz Henrique, and Richarlison, struggled to keep possession, managing just one minute of sustained control at 22 minutes. Absences like Casemiro, suspended, and Wesley, injured, limited coach Carlo Ancelotti’s options.
Despite chances from Richarlison and Luiz Henrique, Brazil failed to convert, with Bolivia’s defense, led by Lampe, holding firm. The conceded goal demands an immediate response from Brazil, which must overcome the altitude and defensive lapses.
- Brazil’s challenges:
- Adapting to the 4,150-meter altitude.
- Passing errors, like those from Fabrício Bruno and Alexsandro.
- Lack of precision in finishing, with only one corner.
- Psychological pressure after the penalty and Miguelito’s goal.
Bolivia’s repechage dream
With Miguelito’s goal, Bolivia rekindled its hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup repechage. The team, 8th with 18 points, needs a win and a Venezuela slip, currently tied 2-2 with Colombia. The local crowd, packing the stadium, recalls the historic 1993 win over Brazil in La Paz for inspiration. Coach Óscar Villegas relies on a 4-3-3 setup, with Miguelito, Enzo Monteiro, and Moisés Paniagua in attack, to keep the pressure on.
Diego Medina’s substitution by Yomar Rocha at 44 minutes due to injury didn’t slow Bolivia’s momentum. The penalty goal boosts the team’s confidence, now playing with even more intensity.
- Factors boosting Bolivia:
- Miguelito’s goal, giving them the lead and morale.
- Crowd support, creating a hostile environment for Brazil.
- Favorable partial result in the Venezuela vs. Colombia match.
- Intense pace, with quick passes and direct attacks.
Refereeing in the spotlight
The Chilean refereeing team, led by Cristian Garay, has been central with the VAR decision. The penalty confirmation at 46 minutes was a critical moment, altering the scoreline and game atmosphere. Garay, who warned Alisson for delaying play, maintains a firm stance, backed by assistants Miguel Rocha and Juan Serrano, plus Rodrigo Carvajal on VAR. Bolivia, averaging 1.7 yellow cards per game, must also avoid sanctions that could disrupt their strategy.
The match, still ongoing, promises more excitement, with Brazil needing to fight back and Bolivia aiming to solidify their lead.
