Bolivia rout Paraguay to keep World Cup hopes alive

AGENCY: OCT. 15 – Bolivia kept alive their hopes of qualifying for their first World Cup in almost three decades with a 4-0 home victory over Paraguay here on Thursday.

Rodrigo Ramallo gave the hosts an early lead before Moises Villarroel, Victor Abrego and Roberto Fernandez piled on second-half goals as Bolivia cruised to their second consecutive victory.

The Verde have 12 points from as many games and occupied the sixth spot in the 10-team standings.

Paraguay, who also have 12 points and the same minus-eight goal difference, are one place further back by virtue of having only scored nine goals compared to Bolivia’s 17.

Bolivia have qualified for the World Cup only three times: in 1930, 1950 and 1994.