MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Moises Paniagua and Miguel Terceros scored goals within seven minutes of the second half and Bolivia battled back to beat Suriname 2-1 on Thursday and book a spot in the knockout stages. world cup Qualifying playoff against Iraq.
In another match on Thursday, Wrexham striker Bayley Cadamartelli scored in the first half Jamaica They defeated New Caledonia 1-0 and advanced to the international play-off final against Congo.
Suriname took the lead in the 48th minute with a goal from Liam van Gelderen, but Paniagua equalized in the 72nd minute, and Terceros scored the winning goal with a penalty in the 79th minute for Bolivia, who are aiming for their second World Cup appearance.
Bolivia coach Oscar Villegas said: “I want to emphasize the character of the players to never give up. This team never thought about losing anything and today they knew how to overcome.”
Juan Godoy came on as a substitute in the 74th minute, and five minutes later he was tripped up by Leo Abena in the penalty area for a penalty, which the 21-year-old Terceros converted from the left of goalkeeper Etienne Vassen.
“The winning goal reflects my efforts so far, but nothing is possible without the team. We are just one step away so we have to keep working hard,” Terceros said.
Bolivians have only previously played in the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Suriname was aiming to qualify for the tournament for the first time.
Bolivia finished seventh in CONMEBOL qualifying and will play Iraq next Tuesday in Monterrey. The winner will qualify for Group I with France, Norway and Senegal.
The Reggae Boys are slowly approaching
Cadamarteri scored the winning goal in the 18th minute for Jamaica, sealing victory for the Reggae Boyz, who have only appeared in the World Cup once, in France in 1998. Oceania’s New Caledonia has a chance to play in the World Cup for the first time.
Jamaica, who finished second in their group in the CONCACAF qualifiers, will face Congo next Tuesday at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara. Congo has qualified for the playoffs defeat nigeria in the African playoffs.
The winner in Guadalajara will play in Group K of the tournament, joining Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan.
Infantino is in Mexico
FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended both the Monterrey and Guadalajara stadiums to watch the two playoff games.
This weekend, the heads of world football’s governing body will visit the newly renovated Azteca Stadium for a friendly between Mexico and Portugal.
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