La Paz: Bolivia’s President Evo Morales encouraged his compatriots to keep their “hopes” up and continue supporting the national football team in the World Cup 2018 South American qualifiers. Morales on Friday spoke to local media from the northern department of Pando where he was attending an ambulance handover after the South American side lost 0-2 on Thursday evening at home against Uruguay in the Hernando Siles Stadium. “When we lost 0-2 to Uruguay, I saw a lot of courage and lots of effort. I am very hopeful. We are just beginning. We mustn’t be discouraged. We should continue supporting our team,” said the president.