Bolivia 2-3 Chile: Alexis Sanchez scores twice to boost La Roja’s chances of making the World Cup as they overcome torrential rain and a delayed kick-off to win in La Paz
- Kick-off was delayed by 30 minutes after heavy rain in La Paz before the game
- Alexis Sanchez scored twice and Marcellino Nunez netted the other for Chile
- Marc Enoumba and Marcelo Moreno found the net in response for Bolivia
- The result gives Chile fresh hope that they can still make this year’s World Cup
A double from Alexis Sanchez helped Chile beat Bolivia 3-2 on Tuesday to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
With two games remaining for both sides, Chile moved into fifth place in the 10-team South American group on 19 points.
The top four teams in the section qualify automatically for Qatar and the fifth-placed side goes into a playoff with a team from the Asian confederation.
Alexis Sanchez (R) celebrates giving Chile the lead against Bolivia with a well-struck free-kick
Brazil and Argentina have already qualified and Ecuador in third will almost certainly join them.
On a heavy pitch in the Bolivian capital, Sanchez put Chile ahead after 14 minutes but Marc Enoumba equalised eight minutes before half time for the home side.
Marcelino Nunez restored Chile’s lead after 77 minutes and Sanchez added a third with four minutes remaining.
Marc Enoumba headed home a corner to draw Bolivia level shortly before half time
Sanchez scored again in the second half to give Chile a hugely important win in La Paz
Bolivia’s top goalscorer Marcelo Martins pulled one back two minutes later but Chile held on.
Peru, who have 20 points, play Ecuador, who sit third with 24 points, later on Tuesday. Leaders Brazil are at home to Paraguay and second-place Argentina are at home to Colombia.
In the night’s other game, Uruguay, who have 19 points, take on Venezuela, who are bottom of the group and out the running.