Bolivia 0–0 Uruguay Player Ratings: Both Sides Share Spoils in an Entertaining but Goalless Draw

Bolivia and Uruguay played out an entertaining 0-0 draw that saw chances aplenty and high-octane action throughout 90 minutes in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

The early exchanges of the first half were of a cautious nature, with Bolivia trying to keep the ball while Uruguay tried to get to grips with the conditions and the high altitude. While the hosts chose to go for a 3-4-1-2, Bielsa set his side in his trademark 4-4-2. The first few minutes of the match were littered with fouls as both teams sought to disrupt each other’s rhythms right from the off.

It was Uruguay who had the game’s first effort in the 7th minute. A good one-two between Ugarte and Bentancur saw the latter let fly from range, but it went high and harmlessly wide off the target. Uruguay had another effort in the 10th minute, but Cristian Olivera saw his header go wide.

From thereon, Bolivia slowly and steadily started taking control of proceedings, with Ramiro Vaca and Miguelito dominating proceedings for the hosts. Both combined nicely a couple of times, but saw their respective shots go wide off target. Uruguay had arguably their best chance of the half in the 20th minute, when Varela’s through ball found Vinas in acres of space, but Bolivian skipper Haquín put in a heroic block that saved a certain goal.

From that point onward, it was all Bolivia as the men in Green started increasing their shot count. Vaca and Miguelito time and again cut open the Uruguayan midfield and defense from time to time with ease. Hector Cuellar saw two glancing headers go wide, while Miguelito himself saw his shot blocked. Vaca, in the meanwhile, saw his audacious 35-yard attempt almost catch out Uruguay keeper Rochet, but he scrambled across to push it away.

The Bolivian assault on the Uruguayan goal continued as they were the dominant team, while Uruguay seemed to be hanging on for dear life on multiple occasions. As the half drew to a close, Bolivia came close again, but Robson Matheus’ shot on goal was straight down the goalkeeper’s throat. Ugarte received a yellow card as Uruguay finished the half without a single shot on target.

The second half saw more of the same as Bolivia kept piling on the pressure, but this time even Uruguay did not back down. They gave it back to Bolivia as Ugarte saw a snapshot just whizz over the bar. Meanwhile, it was just one of those days for Bolivia where the ball just would not go in the net. Vaca saw his free kick saved, Villamil saw his effort bounce off the post, while Vaca once again saw a game-capping goal elude him via the post.

The biggest chance came to Algaranaz, who somehow managed to poke his shot wide with the goal gaping after an excellent cross by Vaca. That was that for both sides as both settled for a point each. Here are Bolivia vs Uruguay player ratings.

Bolivia Player Ratings

GK- Guillermo Viscara- 5.5/10

The Bolivian keeper barely had anything to do of note. However, he did marshal his defense rather well and gathered crosses well.

RCB- Diego Medina- 6/10

Was all-action in his stint on the pitch as RCB and later as wing-back as he tackled gamely and also contributed in attack. Had a couple of good inviting crosses that saw the Uruguay defense scrambling.

CB- Luis Haquín- 6/10

A heroic block by the skipper in the first half saved a certain goal as he time and again kept himself in front of the Uruguay attackers. Put in a cute through ball that almost saw Bolivia take the lead.

LCB- Efrain Morales- 6/10

Complemented his captain well in defense. Barely gave the Uruguay strikers a sniff as he shackled them well.

RWB- Robson Matheus- 6/10

Had a tidy game in the middle for the men in Green. Had a shot saved right at the end of the half. Was his last contribution as he was subbed at half-time

CM- Hector Cuellar- 6/10

Was a very busy presence in the game. Got forward consistently, and was rather unfortunate to see all his 3 first-half efforts go off target.

CM- Gabriel Villamil- 6/10

Gave a very good account of himself in the middle of the park. Made 4 interceptions and completed both his dribbles successfully. Had a shot that hit the outside of the post in the second half.

LWB- José Sagredo- 5.5/10

Made 6 clearances and 1 interception. Was having a decent game until he was subbed at half-time

CAM- Ramiro Vaca- 7.5/10

He was the bright spot for his side, along with Miguelito. Everything good from an attacking sense came from Vaca, who tirelessly ran and stretched the Uruguay defense whenever he had the ball. Had an audacious 35-yard effort just about saved by Rochet before seeing his free kick saved again. Also, hit the post later.

ST- Miguelito- 6.5/10

Along with Vaca, Miguelito was the spark plug for the Bolivians. His twinkle-toed dribbling more often created chances for his team-mates. Also had a couple of shots that were blocked

ST- Victor Ábrego- 5.5/10

He was full of energy and tireless running as he tried gamely to be the focal point of the attacks, but his final touches let him down on multiple occasions. That did not stop him from putting his all on the pitch.

Sub- Roberto Fernandez- 5/10

Did what was asked of him. It was neat as he did not let the pressure drop.

Sub- Moises Paniagua- 6.5/10

Was the liveliest of the Bolivia subs. Kept on running and tried to make something happen for his side. Had a couple of good shots that missed the target.

Sub- Carmelo Algaranaz- 5/10

Had the goal at his mercy late late into the second half but could not direct the ball into the open net.

Sub- Yomar Rocha- 5/10

Was brought in late in the second half. Did not do enough to make an impact.

Sub- Lucas Chavez- 4/10

Was brought in late in the second half. Did not do enough to make an impact.

Manager- Oscar Villegas- 8/10

He was extremely unlucky to see his side come with just a point. Started pragmatically, then changed shape midway through to get a better attacking performance. Made proactive subs and almost came away with the three points. Extremely well managed by the veteran.

Uruguay Player Ratings

GK- Sergio Rochet- 6/10

Was the busier of the two goalkeepers tonight. Made 3 extremely good saves as Bolivia kept piling on the pressure.

RB- Guillermo Varela- 5/10

Had a decent chance that he created for Vinas. Was alright in other facets as he was subbed midway through the second half for more attacking players.

RCB- José María Giménez- 6/10

The Uruguay skipper once again was a dependable presence in the heart of defence. Had a crucial block midway through the second half.

LCB- Sebastián Cáceres- 5/10

Had a good block to deny Abrego in the first half, but was chasing shadows throughout. Had a tough evening with Vaca, giving him the runaround.

LB- Mathías Olivera- 5.5/10

Did his bit well. Was strong in the ground duels, winning both of them. Kept his flank reasonably safe until he was hooked in the second half.

RM- Cristian Olivera- 5.5/10

Had a positive first half where he found space on the 6-yard box before shooting wide. His impact began to reduce as the game went on

RCM- Manuel Ugarte- 6.5/10

The Man United man was his combative self as he looked a class apart from his team-mates. he snapped into tackles, tried to rouse his team into action. Had a shot that went agonisingly over the bar. Was booked in the second half.

LCM- Rodrigo Bentancur- 5.5/10

Had a couple of blocked shots in the first half and that was it. Was booked later in the second half.

LM- Maximiliano Araújo- 6/10

Was positive in his attacks as he skipped on the byline on many instances to deliver teasing crosses into the box. Eventually was unable to find the space as the Bolivian defense figured him out.

ST- Federico Viñas- 5/10

Had a shot that was excellently blocked in the first half. Was anonymous otherwise.

ST- Rodrigo Aguirre- 4./10

Anonymous and ineffective throughout his time in the middle. Was substituted and rightly so.

Sub- Facundo Pellestri- 5/10

Was lively from the time he was subbed on. Had a few nice give and goes with his fellow attackers. However, did not have much joy in the final third.

Sub- Fede Valverde- 5.5/10

Usual combative presence in the middle. Should have started the game from the first minute.

Sub- Darwin Nunez- 4.5/10

The Liverpool man just cannot find a break at the moment. Another ineffective performance as the game just went past him.

Sub- Joaquin Piquerez- 5/10

Had a couple of through balls. Had a very decent chance right at the death but blazed his shot over the bar.

Sub- Nahitan Nandez- 5/10

Had a couple of decent touches. Nothing much apart from that.

Manager- Marcelo Bielsa- 5/10

“El Loco” just could not get this one right. He bungled on his team selection, did not make proactive changes, and just watched as the game kept bypassing him and his team. It was just not good enough today with the stakes so high for him and his side.

Sportsdunia Player of the Match goes to Ramiro Vaca.