Bolatti netted five minutes after coming on as a substitute to clinch Argentina the fourth automatic qualification spot from the South American region, joining already-qualified Brazil, Paraguay and Chile.
Uruguay now face a two-legged play-off against the fourth-placed team from North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
However, Maradona was celebrating wildly on the touchline after Bolatti's goal guaranteed them a spot in the finals next year in South Africa.
Having replaced Alfio Basile as coach midway through the qualification campaign, Maradona's credentials for the job had been widely questioned after his side lost to Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay and at home to Brazil.
"I want to dedicate this to all the Argentines," he told Argentine television. "I thank the squad."
Ecuador's hopes of qualifying for a third successive World Cup were killed off on Wednesday when they lost their final game 1-0 away to Chile.
Shaven-headed Suazo fired the ball into the roof of the net from about six metres after Rodrigo Millar touched Arturo Vidal's pass into his path.
Ecuador midfielder Segundo Castillo was sent off for a shocking challenge in the 85th minute when he landed his studs in a Chilean player's groin.
Ecuador, who lost 2-1 at home to Uruguay on Saturday, were more adventurous after Suazo's goal but they also left gaps at the back and were lucky not to go further behind when Jorge Valdivia's chip was turned over by goalkeeper Marcelo Elizaga.
