Strange goal sparks controversy in South American World Cup qualifiers (video)
In a controversial match, veteran Chilean striker Eduardo Vargas managed to score a much-discussed goal against Bolivia in the eighth round of South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
The match took place at the Julio Pradanos National Stadium in the Chilean capital, Santiago, and ended with a historic 2-1 victory for Bolivia, taking the team’s score to 9 points, one point behind the last qualifying positions directly for the World Cup.
The match saw Bolivia score a goal in the 13th minute, through Carmelo Algaranas, before Vargas managed to equalize the score in the 39th minute. Before the end of the first half, Miguel Terceros scored the winning goal for the visiting team.
If I were in Eduardo’s place
Will you take the ball out or put it in the net? #SouthAmericaQualifiers?
#Chile_Bolivia | #SSC pic.twitter.com/SuZD6mSW3q
– SSC (@ssc_sports) September 10, 2024
Vargas’ goal sparked widespread controversy both on and off the pitch, as the Brazilian Atletico Mineiro striker took advantage of Bolivian goalkeeper Carlos Lampe’s injury to enter the empty net alone and shoot easily, scoring the equalizer, sparking discussions about the sportsmanship and moral standing of the goal.
Bolivian players rioted against Vargas, accusing him of not respecting the rules of sportsmanship and of not appreciating Lampe, who lost the ball after his sudden fall with an injury.
Players from both teams got into a huge argument, before the game resumed with the score tied (1-1). As we mentioned earlier, the Bolivian team then managed to score their second goal and win the match.
