Players in the high mountains of Bolivia and Argentina needed additional oxygen during the match

2013-03-27 10:42 © EuroFootball.com

Especially intense World Cup qualifying matches from the South American zone (CONMEBOL) took place in Bolivia on Tuesday, where the local footballers drew 1-1 with Argentina.

Bolivia's national team stadium "Estadio Hernando Siles" is located 3673 meters above sea level - the highest stadium in the world suitable for professional matches.

Argentinian footballers once again experienced the difficulties of this stadium, barely managing to draw 1-1 (0-1) with the home team.

Marcelo Moreno scored the first goal for Bolivia in the 26th minute, and Evar Benega equalized the score after twenty minutes. At the end of the match, Argentina had more opportunities, but the teams parted ways with a draw.

Foreign media reports that Argentine players felt dizzy multiple times during the match, and Angel di Maria even needed to breathe in pure oxygen.

Spanish media reports that Lionel Messi even vomited during halftime due to altitude difficulties.

With 24 points after 11 matches, Argentina remained at the top of the tournament table, while Bolivia's footballers, with just nine points from the same number of matches, are in second to last place.

This was the fourth consecutive draw between these teams at "Estadio Hernando Siles" stadium. In 2009, Bolivia humiliated Argentina with a score of 6-1 at this stadium.