Vanuatu struggled to contain Bolivia’s fluid forward movements with left back Jelene Waiwai cautioned after just two minutes for a crunching tackle on Bolivia’s pacy Rodrigo Medjido.
Bolivia threatened to overrun Vanuatu with both wide players finding space behind the Vanuatu defence, but it was the Oceanian representatives who nearly took a surprise lead when Santino Mermer’s shot was parried to safety by Bolivia captain and goalkeeper Pedro Galindo’s fingertips.
Vanuatu never recovered from the missed chance and were soon behind when Hungarian referee Istvan Vad awarded Bolivia a penalty after Vanuatu goalkeeper Seiloni Iaruel flew into a reckless challenge on Jorge Alpire.
Carlos Anez converted the penalty comfortably to hand Bolivia a 1-0 lead after 19 minutes.
Substitute Luis Banegas confirmed victory for Bolivia with another goal midway through the second half.
The defeat consigns Vanuatu to the bottom of the table but they have an opportunity to make amends when they play Haiti on Thursday 18 August 2010.
A draw for Haiti in their match with Bolivia would be heap more pressure on Vanuatu going into the final group match.
Singapore down Zimbabwe in thrilling match
Hosts Singapore won their opening match in emphatic style, beating Zimbabwe 3-1 in front of a vociferous home support.
Ammirul Mazlan scored the fastest goal of the tournament so far, beating the Zimbabwe goalkeeper Benad Fungai with a raking long range shot after just 10 seconds.
Then Muhaimin Suhaimi bagged a brace for Singapore as the hosts raced into a 3-0 halftime lead.
Singapore lost momentum in the second half and Zimbabwe clawed back the deficit after Albert Kusemwa scored from the penalty spot on 64 minutes to set up a tense finish.
A string of glaring misses by Zimbabwe ensured Singapore started the tournament with a win.
The next match in Group D will see Zimbabwe play red hot favourites Montenegro on Monday 16 August.
RESULTS
Group C
Vanuatu 0
Bolivia 2 (Carlos Anez 19′ pen, Luis Banegas 52′)
Group D
Singapore 3 (Ammirul Mazlan 10 secs, Muhaimin Suhaimi 11′, 30′)
Zimbabwe 1 (Albert Kusemwa 64′ pen)