Bolivia veteran Jaime Moreno played his first international match for five years in the 1-1 draw with Ireland — but was his call-up a gimmick or a genuine opportunity for the 33-year-old to earn a place at the Copa America this summer?
Was the all-time top scorer in the U.S.A.’s Major League Soccer (pictured, right) called up to draw the crowds for the friendly in Massachusetts, or does coach Erwin Sanchez consider using the 33-year-old to guide his inexperienced side?
The former Middlesbrough striker’s contribution was significant. He was the architect of Bolivia’s goal, dancing around Ireland defenders, finding himself deep in the box, before releasing Arce to shoot. The ball eventually fell to Hoyos, who blasted an equaliser to Shane Long’s headed opener for Ireland two minutes earlier.
Ashley Gray assessed how the players fared.
Bolivia 1 Ireland 1
BOLIVIA (4-3-1-2): Suarez; Hoyes, Pena, Mendez, Alvarez; Reyes (Pizarro 81), Garcia (Lima 61), Mojica; Vaca (Galindo 74); Moreno (Cabrera 46), Arce (Pinedo 64).
GK Hugo Suarez (Wilstermann)
Erratic performance. Pulled off some cracking saves, particularly when tipping over Anthony Stokes’ shot in the second half. But was a mixed bag on corners, confidently catching some, but slapping others away. Was in no-man’s land for Shane Long’s headed goal in the 12th minute. Rating: 6/10
RB Miguel Hoyos (The Strongest)
Eye-catching defender – and not only for his wild red hair and crazy eyes! Doesn’t miss an opportunity to get forward down the right, often being Bolivia’s most advanced player. Blasted in the 14th-minute equaliser after intricate work from Arce and Vaca. Sometimes out of position defensively. 7
CB Juan Manuel Peña (Villarreal (Sp))
Experienced captain looked assured amid a chaotic defence, which got little protection from the midfield. 6
CB Limberg Mendez (Wilstermann)
Unpredictable and an unlikely looking centre half; sleight and short. Stepped up for offside once when no one else did, but got away with it. 6
LB Lorgio Álvarez (Cerro Porteño (Par))
Failed to get forward as much as Hoyos on the opposite side, but didn’t have as much to do at the back either. Average performance. 6
M Leonel Reyes (Bolivar)
Completely anonymous in a defensive midfield role during his 81 minutes. Should have come off sooner. 5
M Ronald García (Aris Salonika (Gre))
An assured presence in the midfield. Rarely ventured forward, but added some discipline and safe passing in a pourous midfield. 7
M Gualberto Mojica (Pacos Ferreira (Por))
Occassionally found space on the left, but contributed little to Bolivia’s attacking play and did even less to protect Alvarez from Ireland’s advances down the wing. 6
AM Joselito Vaca (Blooming)
Star man. Linked excellently between midfield and attack, combining particularly well with Arce. Always looked for the ball and enjoyed running at defenders. Long shots were a little tame though. 8
F Jaime Moreno (DC United (US))
Started brightly and showed flashes of skill, especially in the move leading up to the goal. But age seems to be catching up with him. He lacked mobility and faded in and out of the game during the first 45 minutes before making way at half-time. Overshadowed by some promising young attacking talent. Surely we won’t be seeing him in Venezuela? 6
F Juan Carlos Arce (Corinthians (Brz))
A trickier customer than Moreno, one minute holding the forward line, the next working the channels. Almost scored when trading short passes with Vaca in the first half. 7
Substitutes:
F Diego Cabrera (The Stongest) On for Moreno, 46min
Little more impressive than Moreno as the game descended into a keep-ball exercise in the second half. 6
M Sacha Lima (Wilstermann) for Garcia, 61
Filled in from Garcia in the holding role and looked safe enough. Knocked the ball around simply and put in a crucial, crunching tackle late on. 7
F Gustavo Pinedo (Cádiz (Sp)) for Arce, 64
Brought fresh impetus as the game was going flat. Looked lively going forward but there was no end product. Spoilt it by falling over the ball late on. 6
M Gonzalo Galindo (The Strongest) for Vaca, 74
Had little time to make an impact, but his late corner was much better than Vaca’s earlier efforts. 6
M Limberg Pizarro (Bolivar) for Reyes, 81
One average player replaced by another. Played safe as the game petered out. 6
