Bolivia’s poor performance at the 2024 Copa América marked the end of Brazilian Antônio Carlos Zago’s adventure as coach of the national team. He was in office for just over 8 months, with results that did not accompany him in the continental tournament or in the South American Qualifiers.
“The Bolivian Football Federation thanks Professor Zago for his time at the helm of La Verde. We wish him every success from now on,” the organization said on its social media. That post was accompanied by several messages from supporters who pointed out that the problem is not the coach, but a lack of structure and projects.
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Zago, who played as a central defender for São Paulo, Palmeiras and Roma, among other teams, took over in October 2023, after the departure of Argentine Gustavo Costas. His debut was with a victory against Peru in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, although from then on the good results did not appear.
La Federación Boliviana de Fútbol agradece al Profesor Antonio Carlos Zago su paso al frente de #LaVerde.
Le deseamos los mayores éxitos de aquí en adelante. pic.twitter.com/9sZvp6TJgK— LA VERDE 🇧🇴 (@laverde_fbf) July 18, 2024
But the departure of the coach began to take shape after the poor performance in the Copa America in the United States. Bolivia finished last in Group C, without points, with 10 goals against and one in favor.
It has not yet been announced who will replace Zago, 55, although the possibility of Venezuelan César Farías sounds strong. It would be his third cycle in the national team, which he already managed first as an interim between 2018 and 2019 and then officially between 2019-2022.
Bolivia will host Venezuela on September 5 and five days later will visit Chile. Both matches will be in the qualifiers in which La Verde is second to last, only above Peru, with one win and five losses.
Article originally written by Camil Straschnoy
