Skip to content

Neymar says playing in Bolivia was 'inhuman' as Brazil players need oxygen after World Cup qualifier

Brazil players received oxygen after the final whistle in La Paz (Pic: Twitter: @CBF_Futebol)
Image: Brazil players received oxygen after a 0-0 draw against Bolivia in La Paz - 11,900 feet above sea level (Pic: Twitter: @CBF_Futebol)

Neymar has criticised conditions at Bolivia's Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz, describing it as "inhuman" to play at such severe altitude.

Brazil's players needed oxygen at full-time after they drew 0-0 in their World Cup qualifier in the Bolivian capital, which is 11,932 feet above sea level.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar - the world's most expensive player - said "everything was bad" at the stadium and the team was happy to have come away from La Paz with just a point.

Neymar posted on Instagram: "Inhuman to play in such conditions, field, altitude, ball .. everything bad. But we were happy for the performance of the team even with these conditions."

Neymar
Image: Neymar said the playing surface and the ball were also bad at the Estadio Hernando Siles

Brazil head coach Tite, who has steered Brazil to top spot in their qualifying group, said: "I have to praise our professionals for all the logistics of the medical department, that gave all the support to make people feel the effects less.

Also See:

"The performance surprised. Playing here is very difficult. Strategically, I was very happy. We were upright, offensive. I want to emphasise this great performance. I am happy for the performance but upset about the result."

Play Super 6
Play Super 6

There's £250k up for grabs in this weekend's Super 6. Enter your predictions for free here.

Around Sky