Arriving in La Paz, we were lucky to be there when the Bolivars were playing Santa fe. Which is profesional soccer team from Colombia. This was my first profesional match so i was very excited to see what the rage was all about. As it turned out, the match we were too watch was part of the Toyota Copá Liberadors, which is the equivilent of the Champions league. The Bolivars had to win or they would be eliminated, so everything was on the line. Due to Bolivia being the fabulous country that it is, we were able to afford great seats. Which always makes a game. The first half was a battle, and it seemed that the Boliviars were trying to use there home field advantage and just run Santa Fe down. The Bolivars stadium is probley the highest stadium in the world. so, in regards to endurance, they had a huge advantage.

At the begining of the second half, Colombias coach was kicked out of the game for voicing a disagreement with the ref. While the police were escorting him off the field. Riot police moved in and surrounded the seats where the Santa Fe fans were sitting. The tension seemed to rise, but no action was taken. We were sitting in the first few covered rows, and as the second half started, clouds began to move in. I didnt think much of it, so when the rain began to fall we really did not notice. But everyone in front of us stood up and began moving frantically towards cover. Assuming the movement was releated to the riot police acting against the visiting fans, we stood, ready to flea the tear gas. or whatever was happening. After a few confusing seconds, we realized it was just a lot of people with out rain jackets trying to get an open seat. It was too funny. Late in the second half, as the rain fall in sheets. The Bolivars scored a dramatic goal, which set the stadium on fire. they held there lead for the remaining few minutes, and subsequently lived to play another day.

pictures..above.....the stadium is on fire! below...Rob, offering his opinion on the boliviars chance this evening.