Bolivia have sought to spice up their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by switching their house matches to the town of El Alto – positioned a staggering 13,615 ft above sea degree.
The South Individuals have usually performed of their capital metropolis La Paz, with matches held at 11,940 ft above sea degree on the Estadio Hernando Siles.
The venue is likely one of the highest skilled stadiums on the planet, with altitude offering a significant take a look at for opponents.
Final yr, Argentina’s gamers had been been given private oxygen tubes to assist deal with the excessive altitude.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister posted an image of himself utilizing his oxygen tube in La Paz, whereas Cristian Romero was additionally clutching his as he left the group bus.
Bolivia have switched their World Cup qualifier with Venezuela to El Alto Municipal stadium
The venue is positioned a 13,615 ft above sea degree and is likely one of the highest on the planet
Bolivia hope the altitude can provide them a bonus of their World Cup qualifying marketing campaign
Brazil star Neymar had beforehand slammed the selection of venue after having to make use of oxygen masks for restoration after a gruelling 0-0 draw with Bolivia in 2017.
After the match, the Brazil star stated: ‘Inhumane to play in such circumstances, area, altitude, ball… every part dangerous.
In 2007 the stadium was banned from internet hosting World Cup qualification matches when FIFA dominated such video games couldn’t happen greater than 2,500m above sea degree.
Nonetheless, after a Bolivian marketing campaign FIFA relented and gave the stadium particular dispensation to proceed only a month later, regardless of claims the dearth of oxygen within the air gave a definite house benefit to gamers who had been extra used to it.
The take a look at for opponents is about to get harder, with Bolivia having switched its house World Cup qualifier with Venezuela on Thursday to El Alto, which is positioned at a fair greater altitude of 4,150m.
Bolivia’s new head coach Oscar Villegas has expressed hope the altitude will assist the nationwide group, who’re presently second backside of South American qualifying after six matches.
‘Soccer is manufactured from particulars. It doesn’t imply that with this (altering stadiums) we’re going to win,’ Villegas stated, as reported by the Related Press. ‘We try to handle particulars that may enable us to be more practical.
‘In El Alto, we’re going to attempt to be as intense as potential and to allow them to know that they’re on a brand new pitch the place we’ve been unbeatable,’ Villegas stated, referring to native groups enjoying there in membership competitions reminiscent of Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana.
Neymar had beforehand described enjoying in Bolivia’s capital La Paz as being ‘inhumane’
Brazil’s gamers had been seen sporting oxygen masks to get well from the altitude in 2017
The Brazilian nationwide group had performed out a gruelling goalless attract Bolivia’s capital
Argentina gamers got oxygen tubes forward of their conflict with Bolivia in La Paz final yr
‘The psychological and emotional facet additionally performs a job, it’s one thing that’s going to assist us rather a lot.’
A reported 80 per cent of Bolivia’s squad consists of gamers used to the thinner air, together with six from All the time Prepared membership in El Alto, and 6 extra from Bolívar in La Paz.
Venezuela, who’re fourth in South American qualifying, have named a 47 man squad for his or her newest matches.
The squad consists of gamers who play for golf equipment positioned at altitude, whereas the group are reportedly making ready by present process oxygen respiratory workouts and acclimatisation in hyperbaric chambers.
Bolivian Soccer Federation president Fernando Costa has said the El Alto Municipal Stadium, which opened in 2017, is being trialled with a view to changing into the everlasting house of the nationwide group.
In February, the venue hosted the highest match ever performed within the Copa Libertadores, South America’s equal of the Champions League.
Bolivian facet All the time Prepared received the primary leg of their qualifying 6-1 in opposition to Peruvian outfit Sporting Cristal, with the guests having light within the second half having been degree at 1-1 at half-time.
Bolivia head coach Oscar Villegas hopes the upper altitude in El Alto offers his facet a lift
Bolivia are presently second backside in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup
Bolivia will look to beat Venezuela at altitude on Thursday to spice up their qualification hopes
‘We should make clear one thing: enjoying at this altitude may be very tough,’ Cristal head coach Enderson Moreira stated post-match.
‘The behaviour of the gamers is totally totally different, with a distinct strategy that entails a difficulty of adaptation. It isn’t simple to play right here.’
Bolivia, who haven’t certified for the World Cup since 1994, solely have one win in six matches of the qualifying marketing campaign having been Peru 2-0 in La Paz.
The nationwide group are 4 factors adrift of the ultimate computerized qualifying spot for the World Cup after six of 18 matches, however are simply two factors off a play-off spot.
