In Bolivia they say that, unlike the other teams, “Ecuador plays ten games at home, nine in Quito and one in La Paz.” There is also that: in the last 6 qualifiers, the Tricolori won 4 times, and two were draws. Ecuador does not feel the height, like others. And there is also a purely sporting fact: an inverse parabola occurred between the two, while Ecuador’s football is the one with the greatest development in South America, Bolivia is the one that has sunk the most. Today they collide again at the beautiful Hernando Siles, a stadium that was squeezed between buildings in the very center of La Paz due to the growth of buildings. The neighboring buildings surpassed the second drawer of the Colosseum and gave it a unique scenography. Those who live across the street watch the match from their apartment windows.

Despite the terrible start of the Greens in the race for the World Cup (1-5 against Brazil and 0-3 against Argentina), it is estimated that there will be around 20,000 stoic souls in the “Siles” stands. The figure has nothing to do with the disappointment of the Bolivian fans, the explanation is that the local Association took advantage of the pre-elimination enthusiasm and sold tickets for three matches: Argentina, Ecuador, Peru. Bought around 15,000. They are going. And some others who always keep faith.

Bolivian football is at the worst moment in its history. Just as Bolivia marked thirty years of brilliant World Cup qualification in ’94, beating Brazil and Uruguay – also Ecuador – (in September), La Verde conceded five goals to Brazil. But that was not so much, a defeat against Brazil as a guest can happen to anyone, the dance that Argentina subjected them to hurts much more. And without Messi. “We don’t even have the height anymore, they ran faster than us, we are a disaster”, lamented the fans leaving the stadium in front of television cameras that tried to capture the general mood. The height refers to the fact that before everyone was afraid of Bolivia because of that factor and in La Paz it became invincible, now it loses very often there. Rival trainers and doctors have studied how to reduce the effects.

And in 1993, Bolivia had Etcheverry, platinum Sánchez, Baldivieso, Melgar (character in Boca), Chocolate Castillo, creative players, on good feet, with a goal. Behind, two solid and strong defenders like Gustavo Quinteros and Marco Sandy, excellent midfielders like Borja and Cristaldo… The best eleven that this country remembers. Today there is not a single figure. To make matters worse, the best by several laps, their goalkeeper Billy Viscarra, sprained his ankle on Sunday and was not in front of Félix Sánchez’s squad. Bolivian football does not shine with its organization. The local association canceled the Clausura championship last year due to a wild 36-day blockade in Santa Cruz, where five clubs are from. He canceled it this year due to a corruption report involving players, managers and referees. But since there were no more dates to play the new tournament, they had to go back and continue it. Tahuichi Academy, which was a powerhouse of talent in the 80’s and 90’s, was closed due to lack of support. There are no players coming out and the team Ecuador face today will be the weakest in sixty years. “To make matters worse, everyone raised their hand, we will have to build a stadium in Potosí,” complain the fans. Potosí is located at 4,782 meters above sea level.

The disappointment is total. Ecuador is a big favorite to keep the three points. However, every international match carries risks. Especially away from home. The loss of Estupiñán, although for this journalist he is the best in the world in his position alongside the Canadian Alphonse Davies, should not be a problem, Beder Caicedo can effectively replace him. The million dollar news is the call-up of Junior Sornoza, which should give more fluidity and options to the offense. There is no footballing explanation why Ecuador’s top 10 is thinned out by so many call-ups. He has talent, shot, goal and pass-goal. In Ecuador, they dream of winning six points in this FIFA window. Optimism is good, although it’s also important to remember that no one wins the day before. Games must be played.

Danger. Peru has one point from six and faces two tough stops: Chile away and Argentina at home. Qualifying has just started, but if they lose both games, will Juan Reynoso still be Peru’s coach…? After forcing the departure of Ricardo Gareca, will the president of the Peruvian federation liquidate Reinos as well…? DT is already starting to have problems with a few players. First, he left out of the selection two greats of Garec’s era – Cueva and Édison Flores, very important, creator and goal scorer. The other two starters – Callens and Tapia – did not travel to Santiago. “We pray that Argentina and Brazil win all their games against other opponents,” said Lima commentator Ricardo Montoya.

Debut. If Reinoso goes down, it won’t be the first. Barros Schelotto was fired in Paraguay after the second date. True, Paraguay played to take at least 4 points, took one and said goodbye. Another Argentine will make his debut in his place: Daniel Garnero, a professional of great prestige in the football of that country, where he had success with Sol de América, Guaraní, Olimpia and Libertad. He won eight domestic championship titles. He is respected by the home fans for his efficiency and polished style of football.

Cornice. Another one walking around is the Chilean coach, Eduardo Berizzo. Chile lost without extenuating circumstances against Uruguay, and then drew 0:0 with Colombia. But the non-conformity comes from before, due to too many games without victories. Atmosfera expects six points in this double date in which they will first host Peru in the Pacific Classic, and then visit Venezuela. If you get less than three…

discomfort. From Uruguay, they criticize that Colombia set the time at 15:30 to welcome Celeste in the humid heat of Barranquilla and at 19:00 for the meeting with Brazil (5th round). The intention is clear: to cook Uruguay, a team with great physical performance and very offensive because it is led by Marcelo Bielsa. Take away rhythm and speed, drown them. “Although each association has the freedom to decide, it does not seem logical or egalitarian,” said reporter for East Rodrigo Romano. On Uruguay: Bielsa hinted at the press conference that Suárez and Cavani are not in his plans at the moment. Something that brings huge criticism within Uruguayan football. The Uruguayan coaches are the most annoying, because AUF invited a foreigner, no less than an Argentinian, to head the team, which is unbearable for them.

Incredible. That a fantastic scorer like Germán Cano, from Fluminense, has no choice to show his ability. The best scorer of the Libertadores did not complete the process of nationalization in Colombia (he lived there for a little less than five years), and in Argentina, his native country, he is not considered by Lionel Scaloni. And that there are so many teams that desperately need a goal-goal… In the Albiceleste, Julián Álvarez, a great presence at Manchester City, and Lautaro Martínez, the Italian football star, continue to fight for that position. For now Julián is winning, he has taken the title from Lautaro since the World Cup and is not letting it go. (OR)