FIFA Series: Poor defending undoes Cape Verde; Wydad star sparks Bolivia in WC qualifying

Cape Verde showed signs of promise but folded in the second half of their 2-4 FIFA Series friendly defeat to Chile, while a Wydad Casablanca star came off the bench to play a big role in the 2026 World Cup qualifying inter-continental playoff for Bolivia.

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— cairnstopersz (@TGZ0010) March 27, 2026

For soon-to-be World Cup debutants Cape Verde, the Blue Sharks produced a strong half but a first half red card set the stage for a second half meltdown against Chile at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. The South American nation got off to a strong start and took the lead through Derby Country striker Ben Brereton Díaz in the 16th minute.

But the island nation punched back and it was Benfica fullback Sidny Lopes Cabral who provided a perfect low cross for Dairon Livramento to finish five minutes later. The two switched roles with Livramento setting up Lopes Cabral for a shot that went in off the post in first half stoppage time.

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— cairnstopersz (@TGZ0010) March 27, 2026

Cape Verde wilt in the second half

But a few minutes prior, defender Diney Borges was issued a red card and the Blue Sharks had to play with a numerical disadvantage for the entirety of the second half.

Amateur defending allowed Chile to score three goals after the interval. Veteran defensive presences including central defender Roberto “Pico” Lopes and goalkeeper Vozinha looked vulnerable, giving coach Bubista some questions to ponder.

Also of note was the performance of Wydad AC attacker José Paniagua. The 18-year-old came off the bench to score his first goal for the senior national team of Bolivia, providing a crucial equalizer in their 2-1 comeback victory over Suriname.

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— Tigo Sports Costa Rica (@tigosports_cr) March 26, 2026

After going down to the CONCACAF representatives from the northern coast of South America, Bolivia fought back through Paniagua who finished with a clever toe poke.

He is on loan at Wydad for the remainder of the current season and he will have an opportunity to help his nation make their first World Cup finals appearance since 1994. They will face Iraq on Monday where the winner will qualify.