Bolivian players celebrate scoring during their 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification match against Peru, Nov. 16, 2023. (Photo courtesy of CONMEBOL)
LA PAZ, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Henry and Ramiro Vaca scored either side of halftime as Bolivia eased to a 2-0 home win over Peru in their FIFA World Cup qualifier here on Thursday.
Henry opened the scoring in the 20th minute when he combined with Marcelo Moreno before rifling a left-footed shot from distance into the far corner.
Ramiro doubled the advantage by receiving Jaime Arrascaita's pass and taking a steadying touch before beating goalkeeper Pedro Gallese with a powerful shot from outside the 18-yard box.
The result marked Bolivia's first win of the campaign and left Peru as the only side in the group without a victory.
"We've taken the first important step by winning this match," Ramiro told reporters after the match. "We were under a lot of pressure after a bad run of results and hopefully we now have something that we can build upon in the next few matches."
Earlier on Thursday, Ecuador held Venezuela to a goalless draw in their qualifier in Maturin. ■
