The Estadio Municipal in El Alto is without a doubt one of the most controversial stadiums in the world. On Thursday, the Bolivian national team will meet Colombia there – causing trouble for their World Cup qualifying opponents in advance.
While there has recently been a lot of discussion in Austria about the Liebenau Stadium in Graz, which is now being converted and expanded, in South America the Estadio Municipal de El Alto is once again in focus. What’s special: The arena is located in the middle of the Andes at an altitude of 4,150 meters.
Image: AFP/AIZAR RALDES
So the air is getting thin – and it is precisely this fact that causes excitement among the opponents. Is Bolivia trying to create an advantage for itself? “We play where we live,” counter the Bolivians. There hasn’t been a World Cup qualifying game at the El Alto stadium for almost 40 years. It’s that time again on Thursday, when Bolivia, currently in eighth place, will face second-placed Colombia.
Neymar complains
In any case, it is a highly controversial venue. Brazil superstar Neymar once spoke of “inhumane” conditions and even published a photo of teammates being given oxygen after the final whistle. Argentina’s exceptional talent Lionel Messi is said to have even vomited in the dressing room.
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