Playing In Bolivia: The Altitude Challenge

Bolivia is a football-mad country, with the sport often compared to a religion. However, the Bolivian national team has historically underperformed, with a poor record in the World Cup, failing to advance beyond the first round in any tournament. Despite this, Bolivia has a strong footballing heritage, with a top-level domestic league and a history of producing talented players. So, why is it that Bolivia has struggled to perform on the world stage?

The Bolivian football team has a poor record in World Cup competitions

Football is the most popular sport in Bolivia, with the country's national football team nicknamed "La Verde". Despite the sport's popularity, Bolivia has a poor record in the World Cup. In the history of the tournament, Bolivia has only qualified three times: in 1930, 1950, and 1994. In those three appearances, they have only scored one goal, during their 1994 match against Spain, which they lost 3-1. Bolivia has never advanced past the first round of any World Cup.

Bolivia's debut in international football in 1926 was not promising, losing their first match 7-1 to Chile. They continued to lose their following three matches, conceding a total of 16 goals and scoring only once. Despite this early setback, Bolivia was invited to the inaugural World Cup in 1930, where they lost both their games 4-0, to Yugoslavia and Brazil. Bolivia's performance in the 1950 World Cup was even worse, losing 8-0 to Uruguay in their only game.

It wasn't until 1994 that Bolivia qualified for the World Cup again, surprising many by beating Brazil 2-0 in the qualifiers. However, their performance in the tournament itself was disappointing, losing two games and drawing one. Despite being one of the weaker teams in South America, Bolivia has found more success in the Copa América, winning in 1963 and finishing as runners-up in 1997.

The country's football infrastructure is lacking

In addition, most Bolivian players play in the domestic league, and there is a lack of players representing the country in top leagues around the world. This could be due to cultural and familial reasons, as well as a lack of opportunities or interest in pursuing a professional football career. Some players may also face challenges such as the cost of transportation to clubs or the need to contribute financially to their families. Additionally, the country's mountainous terrain can make it difficult and expensive to find suitable fields for training and matches.

The Bolivian national team's home stadium, Estadio Hernando Siles, is located at a high altitude of 3,637 metres (11,932 ft) above sea level, which can be challenging for visiting teams and give Bolivia a unique home advantage. However, this advantage may be offset by the fact that many Bolivian players who play abroad or at sea level also struggle with the altitude when playing in La Paz. The team's new stadium in El Alto is even higher, at 4,150 metres (13,620 ft) above sea level, and has been controversial due to the potential health risks for players.

Despite these challenges, Bolivia has had some notable successes, including winning the Copa América in 1963 and finishing as runners-up in 1997, both of which they hosted. They also qualified for the World Cup in 1930, 1950, and 1994, although they have only scored one goal in their six World Cup matches. The country is home to the Tahuichi Academy, which has produced many Bolivian football stars, and the domestic league, the Liga Professional de Futbol Bolivia, is considered one of the most important in South America.

There is a culture of aggression surrounding football in Bolivia

Football is the most popular sport in Bolivia, where the first modern set of rules for the sport were established in 1923. Bolivia is home to one of the oldest football clubs in South America, Oruro Royal, and its top domestic league, the Liga Professional de Futbol Bolivia, is currently considered one of the most important leagues in South America. The country is also home to the famous Tahuichi Academy, which has produced many Bolivian football stars.

While football is predominantly played by men and boys, women's football has been gaining prominence in recent years, despite Bolivia's chauvinist society. Bolivian football fans are extremely passionate about the sport, to the extent that it is often compared to a religion. This passion can sometimes lead to aggressive behaviour and serious physical altercations between fans. Going to soccer games on Sundays is a deeply ingrained tradition in Bolivian culture, with die-hard fans planning their lives around the sport. Football has the power to both divide and unite families and rivals in Bolivia, highlighting the intense emotions it evokes.

The Bolivian national football team, nicknamed "La Verde," has represented the country in men's international football since 1926. Despite their participation in several World Cups and other international competitions, the team has struggled to advance beyond the initial rounds. However, Bolivia's youth teams have found more success, with the U-17 team winning the U-17 Copa América and participating in FIFA U-17 World Cups.

The intense passion and aggression surrounding football in Bolivia can be attributed to various factors, including the country's strong footballing traditions, the sport's ability to evoke strong emotions, and the fans' deep investment in their teams. Additionally, the high altitude of some stadiums, such as the Estadio Hernando Siles, has been a source of controversy, with visiting teams protesting that it gives Bolivia an unfair advantage.

In conclusion, while Bolivia has a rich footballing history and a passionate fan base, the aggressive culture surrounding the sport can be a challenge for players and officials. The country's football associations and fan education programmes may need to address this issue to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.

Football is male-dominated, and women's football is not taken seriously

Football, or soccer, is a sport that has traditionally been male-dominated, with women's football not taken as seriously. This is reflected in the fact that it is one of the most popular sports in Bolivia, yet the Bolivian women's football team has a low profile internationally.

There are several reasons why football is male-dominated. Firstly, it is a product of the time it was established. Football, or gridiron football, became popular in the US in the late 19th century, a time when society was going through what scholars have termed a "crisis of masculinity" following the Civil War. The sport was associated with exhibiting manliness and virility, with one of its greatest champions, Theodore Roosevelt, writing in a 1900 essay that sports “have beyond all question had an excellent effect in increased manliness.” This attitude was echoed by Henry S. Curtis in 1925, who helped bring playgrounds to American cities, stating that athletics offered a way to teach "courage, determination, manliness, grit and all those qualities which we speak of as virile."

The attitude that sports are for men has persisted, and in the 21st century, sports are still considered a male domain. Football, in particular, is seen as a masculine sport, and this perception has influenced the lack of female participation and representation. Despite the fact that women are allowed to play in the National Football League (NFL), it is rare to see a woman playing during an NFL game. The physical differences between men and women are often cited as a reason for this, with the average NFL player weighing around 240 pounds, making it difficult to picture women competing directly with men.

However, the tide is turning, and there have been some notable firsts for women in football in recent years. In 2015, Sarah Fuller of Vanderbilt University became the first woman to play in a Power Five football game. In 2017, the San Francisco 49ers hired their first female assistant coach, Katie Sowers, and in 2018, Callie Brownson became the first full-time Division-1 female football coach. There has also been an increase in opportunities for women in football, with the Utah Girls Tackle Football League becoming official in 2015 and the introduction of women's varsity college flag football in 2021.

While women's football may not be taken as seriously as the men's game, this is slowly changing as society moves towards greater gender equality. Just as it took time for women to be accepted as actors or composers, so too will it take time for women to be fully accepted and valued in football and other male-dominated sports.

The Bolivian Football Federation has been accused of mismanagement

Football is the most popular sport in Bolivia, with over 2,000 football clubs across the country. Bolivia is also home to one of the oldest football clubs in South America, Oruro Royal. The country's top domestic league, the Liga Professional de Futbol Bolivia, is currently considered one of the most important leagues in South America.

Despite the popularity of the sport, the Bolivian Football Federation (FBF) has faced criticism and accusations of mismanagement. In 2021, the Federation's new President, Fernando Costa Sarmiento, lamented the deteriorating state of football in the country and vowed to rebuild the system, blaming previous administrations for the decline.

The FBF has faced challenges in recent years, with the national team struggling to qualify for major tournaments and poor performances in competitions. While Bolivia has participated in three FIFA World Cups, they have only scored a single goal across these appearances. The U-17 Bolivian team has found more success, winning the U-17 Copa América and participating in two FIFA U-17 World Cups.

The FBF also faced controversy regarding the choice of stadiums for home matches. Bolivia's home stadium, Estadio Hernando Siles, is located at a high altitude, giving the team a significant advantage over opponents due to the thin air. In 2007, FIFA initially banned World Cup Qualifying matches from being played at stadiums above 8,200 feet, but later removed the altitude limit entirely after backlash. The FBF's decision to play home games at high altitudes has been a source of frustration for visiting teams.

The Bolivian Football Federation has faced challenges in recent years, with criticism directed at the management of the sport in the country. Poor performances by the national team and controversy over stadium choices have plagued the Federation. However, with a new president at the helm and a focus on rebuilding, there is hope for improvement in Bolivian football.

Frequently asked questions