LA PAZ, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The rarefied air of La Paz will provide Bolivia with a clear advantage over Argentina when the teams meet in their 2022 World Cup qualifier here on Tuesday, Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni said on Sunday.
Argentina have not beaten Bolivia at the Hernando Siles stadium - located 3,600 meters above sea level - since 2005, when Jose Pekerman's side won 2-1 on the road to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
"It's clear that they are better prepared than us, especially when you consider they have had more than 20 days to adapt to the altitude," Scaloni told a virtual news conference.
"It is true that the altitude is difficult. It can be suffocating. But what is really important is the flight of the ball and how that changes."
Argentina enter the match after defeating Ecuador 1-0 in their opening qualifier at La Bombonera on Thursday. Bolivia suffered a 5-0 defeat to Brazil in Sao Paulo.
Scaloni confirmed the Albiceleste will be without Paulo Dybala for the match because of a stomach problem, while Sevilla midfielder Marcos Acuna is doubtful with a hamstring injury.
"We've had a few difficult days and some players haven't been 100% but we're confident of a positive result," he said. "We have a clear way of playing and hopefully it will pay off."
The two-time world champions arrived in La Paz on Sunday and held a light training session on Monday at a training complex belonging to local first division team The Strongest. Enditem
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