Bolivia Vs. Colombia, CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying 2014: Full Time, Radamel Falcao Nets Stoppage Time Winner

Colombia didn’t make it easy on themselves, but they’ve started CONMEBOL World Cup 2014 qualifying with three points, thanks to a massive stoppage time winner by Radamel Falcao. Leonel Alvarez opted to rest his superstar, instead opting for Teofilo Gutierrez up top, but the Racing Club man was wasteful in front of net. Falcao replaced Gutierrez in the 78th minute and eventually bailed his manager out of his decision, scoring the winner in a 2-1 Colombia victory.

The first half ended 0-0, though Colombia probably had the better of the play. Still, they didn’t look as dominant as many felt they should, and much more was expected of them in the second half. It didn’t take long for them to deliver, as Dorlan Pabon scored a brilliant opening goal on a counter attack, rounding the keeper and chipping the ball into the back of the net. Bolivia’s defense was in shambles, giving him all kinds of space.

Bolivia continued to fight and look for an equalizer even as Colombia were creating (and regularly missing) chances, and they found a deserved goal in the 84th minute. Walter Flores was the man who finished it, scoring an absolute stunner that looked like it was going to give Bolivia a point.

However, Falcao dashed those hopes, scoring in the 93rd minute to give his team the win. Vasquez was eventually bailed out of his decision to leave Falcao on the bench until the end of the match, but the Cafeteros probably received enough of a scare that he’ll know better than to bench his best players in the future.