Flamengo's Bolivian Odyssey.

A Real Potosi fan listens to a broadcast of a Libertadores Cup match against Brazil's Flamengo in the sold-out 17,000 capacity Mario Mercado stadium before in Potos, a Spanish-colonial silver mining town high in the Bolivian Andes, Feb. 14, 2007. Flamengo, Brazil's most popular club, is back in the Libertadores Cup (South America's version of the Champion's League) after a five-year absence. Real Potos, bought by a Real Madrid fan several years ago and who's emblem is remarkably similar to their Spanish counterpart, is in the tournament for the second time. Flamengo's trip to one of the world's highest professional soccer venues for the group 5 match against Potos has proved a logistical nightmare for Flamengo because of the difficulties of playing at nearly 4,000 metres above sea level as well as the task of simply reaching the match venue. Potosi does not have a commercial airport and Flamengo flew to Sucre then made a three-hour bus journey up precipitous mountain roads to get there. Flamengo players were given bursts of oxygen during and after the match, which they managed to draw 2-2. Flamengo goals were scored in the 49th minute by Roni, who headed a free kick from the left, and Obina on an identical play in the 67th minute. After the match Flamengo leadership said that they will not play at that altitude again, prompting a controversy with the Bolivians, who say that they may refuse to play in Rio's 40 degree heat and humidity. Venezuela's Union Atltico Maracaibo and Brazil's Paran are also in group 5.

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A Real Potosi fan listens to a broadcast of a Libertadores Cup match against Brazil's Flamengo in the sold-out 17,000 capacity Mario Mercado stadium before in Potos, a Spanish-colonial silver mining town high in the Bolivian Andes, Feb. 14, 2007. Flamengo, Brazil's most popular club, is back in the Libertadores Cup (South America's version of the Champion's League) after a five-year absence. Real Potos, bought by a Real Madrid fan several years ago and who's emblem is remarkably similar to their Spanish counterpart, is in the tournament for the second time. Flamengo's trip to one of the world's highest professional soccer venues for the group 5 match against Potos has proved a logistical nightmare for Flamengo because of the difficulties of playing at nearly 4,000 metres above sea level as well as the task of simply reaching the match venue. Potosi does not have a commercial airport and Flamengo flew to Sucre then made a three-hour bus journey up precipitous mountain roads to get there. Flamengo players were given bursts of oxygen during and after the match, which they managed to draw 2-2. Flamengo goals were scored in the 49th minute by Roni, who headed a free kick from the left, and Obina on an identical play in the 67th minute. After the match Flamengo leadership said that they will not play at that altitude again, prompting a controversy with the Bolivians, who say that they may refuse to play in Rio's 40 degree heat and humidity. Venezuela's Union Atltico Maracaibo and Brazil's Paran are also in group 5.

brazil bolivia soccer football libertadores flamengo potosi rio