Striker Joaquin Botero hit a hat-trick, while Marcelo Martins, Didi Torrico and Alex da Rosa also scored in the rout.

Luis Gonzalez replied for Argentina who also had substitute Angel di Maria sent off seven minutes after he had come on.

Argentina coach Diego Maradona last year supported Bolivia’s campaign to be allowed to stage games in La Paz.

But Maradona’s side, who had won their first three games under his charge – and without conceding a goal – looked breathless in the rarefied air 3 600m above sea level.

And they also struggled with a pitch which looked well below the standard expected for an international match. “Every Bolivia goal was a stab in my heart,” said Maradona.

“If we had dreamed this was going to happen before the game, we would have thought it was impossible.

“We have to give merit to Bolivia who were better than we in every part of the field.

“There is nothing to say. They beat us well and now we have to start all over again.

“Bolivia played a great game and hit the target with every attack.

“They all played well from the goalkeeper to the last substitute.” (BBC Sport)