The Albicelestes fail to cope with high altitude conditions

Argentina yesterday suffered their biggest defeat in 60 years, as Bolivia came out as shock 6-1 winners in their South American World Cup Qualifier. Diego Maradona, who watched helplessly as his 100 per cent win record as manager slid away, said “Every Bolivia goal was a stab in my heart.”

Perhaps the stabbing pain in Maradona’s chest was due to the altitude: Bolivia play their home games 3,600m above sea level, and the Argentinian’s arrived in the capital La Paz just two hours before kick off. The Bolivians took advantage of the breathless visitors, who also had a man sent off.

FIFA tried to stop Bolivia from staging home games at such high altitude, but Maradona himself last year supported their campaign to keep playing in La Paz.