Bolivia goes up to face Iraq for the World Cup ticket

Bolivia came from behind to beat Suriname 2-1 in the World Cup semi-finals in Monterrey on Thursday, keeping alive their hopes of making their first World Cup appearance since 1994.

The team coming from South America will face its rival, Iraq, in the global playoff final on Tuesday to qualify for the finals and join Group Nine, while Suriname’s attempt to reach the finals for the first time ended after it squandered its early lead in the second half.

Suriname scored its goal three minutes after the start of the second half, when Liam van Gelderen was the quickest to follow a stray ball in the penalty area, taking advantage of goalkeeper Guillermo Viscara’s stumble in controlling the ball or clearing it to shoot it into the goal from close range.

Substitute Moses Paniagua was able to equalize for Bolivia in the 72nd minute, taking advantage of a rebound ball to fire a low shot into the far corner.

Bolivia won a penalty kick after Juan Godoy was obstructed by Menty Abena, and Miguel Terceros succeeded in scoring it 11 minutes before the end to complete his team’s comeback in the match.

The match was held in front of a crowd of mostly Bolivians at the BBVA Stadium in Monterrey, and witnessed the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, giving a glimpse of the stadium scheduled to host four World Cup matches.