Apparently Bolivian soccer isn’t quite on the same level as say, English soccer, or Argentinian soccer…or hell, even Canadian soccer.

How else to explain how Mauricio Baldivieso, all of 12-years-old, ended up in the championship match between Aurora and FC La Paz.

Oh, that’s right, his old man is coach.

In a beautiful example of Bolivian nepotism, Mauricio’s dad, Julio César Baldivieso, substituted his son just before half-time.  Of course the opposition treated the boy with respect and admiration, amazed by the courage he showed at such a tender age.

Or not.

Within minutes the FC La Paz players introduced the boy to the hardcore world of Bolivian soccer, showing the young Mauricio just what a hard check feels like.

And Mauricio responded like any other 12-year-old would when taken out by a man much, much larger than he…by crying.

Here’s a vid of the kid’s debut, complete with takedown at the 35 second mark…

Two things this video taught me…12-year-old kids, no matter how good, do not belong on the field with grown men.

And two…Bolivian soccer sucks just as much as regular soccer. [Telegraph.co.uk]