Fan fears as struggling Uruguay star forced to take oxygen 4km above sea level

Fan fears as struggling Uruguay star forced to take oxygen 4km above sea level

FOOTBALL fans were left stunned after seeing a Champions League star need the support of an oxygen mask to breathe during a game 4,000km above sea level. The scenes were an unbelievable sight during a World Cup qualifying clash between Bolivia and Uruguay. Jose Gimenez was seen breathing heavily near the end of Uruguay’s clash with Bolivia He needed an oxygen mask The match was being played at a stadium more than 4km above sea level In the final…

Átletico Madrid's Giménez uses oxygen tank in 'nightmare'

Uruguay’s clash with Bolivia in the World Cup qualifiers was a dramatic reminder of the challenges teams face when playing at high altitudes in Bolivia. The match, held at the Municipal Stadium in El Alto—standing at over 13,615 feet above sea level—saw Atlético Madrid and Uruguay center-back José María Giménez struggling with the severe altitude to the point of resorting to the use of portable oxygen. Embed from Getty Images

Inhumane conditions for playing football.

The date 14 of the Conmebol Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup began with a goalless draw between Bolivia and Uruguay. The match took place at the Municipal Stadium of El Alto de La Paz, located 4,150 meters high, which added an extra physical challenge for both teams. (You may be interested: The Colombian stadium that would host the final of the Copa Libertadores 2026) Bolivia dominated much of the match with half-distance finishes, but failed t…