Argentina's World Cup hopes took a major blow last night when they fell to a huge defeat at the hands of Bolivia. The Argentinians were thrashed 6-1, there biggest defeat in almost 60 years. Much controversy surrounded the game as reports emanating from Italy suggested that Argentina head coach Diego Maradona was in massive debt to the Italian Government. The debt believed to be in the region of 37 Million Euros is for unpaid taxes during his time at Napoli. The pressure was on for Maradona and Argentina who despite maintaining a 100% record during his time in charge, have not looked at all convincing in recent games.
Before the game had even kicked off there was even more problems as Fifa had attempted to block the the game being played in Estadio Hernando Siles Stadium because of an altitude issue. Since the mid 80s teams have traditionally had to combat with the altitude problems in South America by aclimatising at least 10 days before. However, Argentina were unable to do this because of a weekend qualifier against Venezuela.
The game started in dramatic fashion as the Bolivians set out their intentions of a shoot at will policy cracking 4 shots from long range in the first 10 minutes. The Argentinians found it difficult to get to grips with the fast tempo and looked sluggish in midfield. The early pressure paid off for Bolivia as they grabbed a goal through Moreno on 11 minutes after some good work inside the box. The stunned Argentines fought hard to get control of the game but Bolivia battled back making the unmistakable Messi look human, forcing him into several errors. After a spell of pressure the Bolivian defence were undone by a long range effort from Gonzalez on 25 minutes. The keeper to blame entirely for the equaliser with the ball bouncing over the top of him. Despite this Bolivia continued to apply pressure as Argentina sat back and allowed Camacho to shoot from long range. The following corner lead to a certain penalty and the chance for Bolivia to retake the lead. All time top goalscorer Botero cheekily slotted the penalty right down middle of the goal to make it 2-1. Argentina hunted for an equaliser and a poor free kick from Messi allowed goal keeper Carlos Arias to thump the ball to Botero. He floated a perfect ball into the box for 32 year old Alex Da Rosa to make it 3-1 at the interval.
Argentina came out of the second much like the start of the first. They looked very slow compared with Bolivia and struggled to get a hold of the ball in midfield as the high altitude appeared to be taking its toll on the players. Bolivia kept pressing forward and spectacularly scored a fourth on 54 minutes when Botero got his second goal of the game. A shell shocked Maradona could only look on as his Argentinian side were dismantled. He sought to change the pace of the game by bringing on substitute Di Maria. Although, this had an adverse effect as he was sent off 7 minutes later for a ridiculous trip on Torrica. Things only went from bad to worse for Argentina as Botero grabbed his hat trick after superb play from strike partner Da Rosa on 66 minutes. Argentina had all but given up at this point as they pushed to gain back some integrity but were undone by a scintillating drive from Torrico on 87 minutes to seal a sensational victory for Bolivia.
After the game this is what Maradona had to say ' I suffered with them (the Argentine public). Every Bolivia goal was a stab in my heart.'
'If we had dreamed this was going to happen before the game, we would have thought it was impossible'
'We have to give merit to Bolivia who were better than us in every part of the field.'
'Bolivia played a great game and hit the target with every attack'
Despite the stunning result an enquiry will be made by Fifa into the altitude problem.
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