Argentina will face Bolivia in an important football match of South America, it is a game which plays FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Copa América so it belongs to ESPN. Argentina is used to dictating the rivalry, but Bolivia have had their star turns — notably in Santa Cruz. A red card shown early has made a difference too!

Historical Context:

ARGENTINA -© Over the years, Argentina are a two time World Cup winner(1978 and 1986) with plenty of legendary stars like; Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi on their track record making them a well-known football giant which gives them upper hand in this fixture. Bolivia, a less prominent player on the global stage of football, also have their own highs with them having won Copa América 1963 in past.

Playing in Bolivia: Hardships of the High

Among the increasingly irksome tests Argentina encounters when it goes to Bolivia is La Paz, in which lies 3.6 km (11,800 ft) over genuine ocean level and relegates unsettling next-level breath draining on its undone adversaries. Bolivia, exploiting the thin air to which elevates issues of stamina and breathing among other factors for players has enjoyed some significant victories over stronger teams including Argentina. The most notable example is Bolivia's 6-1 victory over Argentina in a 2009 World Cup qualifier, one of the humiliating losses for Albiceleste in history.

Recent Encounters:

Until Messi appeared on the scene and with that a multi-talented squad, Argentina has dominated in recent years. Argentina historically does well in World Cup qualifying matches and has even won games at the high altitude of La Paz, something many a team cannot.

That rivalry has faded in recent years but it still makes an enthralling battle, the two teams very much fighting to secure their places at competitive future events. Despite the flair and skill and experience introduced by Argentina, Bolivia own that altitude factor as well as a passionate home crowd - making this an unpredictable match-up between two great South American footballing nations ensuring continental fans will be on their edge for 90 minutes.

The recent contests between the two sides have been a display of Argentina's brilliance, as they play on top gear from all quarters. Nevertheless, their resiliency (especially on home soil) continues to vex teams of even the highest quality.

While Argentina vs Bolivia might on paper look like an mismatch, the argentina-bolivia matches are always unpredictable thanks to south american football magic.