What They're Saying

• by Soccer America , Mar 18, 2008

"I speak for all of Argentina when I say that we do not fear the altitude. All of us have to play where we were born, my brothers and sisters. Not even God can ban that -- much less [FIFA president Sepp] Blatter."

-- Former Argentine great Diego Maradona after scoring three goals to lead a team of ex-Argentine players to a 7-4 win over Bolivian President Evo Morales' team of former Bolivian greats, palace staffers, security guards and local television newcasters in a charity match played before 25,000 fans in La Paz's Hernando Siles Stadium, high in the Andes at 11,800 feet. FIFA effectively banned international games from taking place in La Paz after ratifying a rule requiring players to arrive at the host city a week before international games above 9,000 feet and two weeks for matches higher than 9,800 feet to allow time to adjust to the thin air.