Paraguay's football team began training in the thin air of the Bolivian Andes on Friday, hoping to adjust for a match in three weeks against Bolivia in South American World Cup qualifying.
Coach Francisco Arce has scheduled 22 practice sessions around La Paz, which is located at 3,600 meters (11,800 meters).
South American clubs always struggle to adjust to the altitude in La Paz. The problem also exists to a lesser degree in matches played in Quito, Ecuador, and Bogota, Colombia, which are also located high in the Andes.
Uruguay leads South American World Cup qualifying with seven points from three matches. Argentina and Venezuela have seven from four matches.
Paraguay has only four points after four matches and Bolivia has the worst record in early qualifying with one point in four matches.
Paraguay plays at Bolivia on June 9. In another match on June 9, it's Venezuela vs. Chile. On June 10, it's Uruguay vs. Peru and Ecuador vs. Colombia.
Three matches are set for June 2 - Uruguay vs. Venezuela, Bolivia vs. Chile and Argentina vs. Ecuador. On June 3 it's Peru vs. Colombia.
