Nepotism Alive and Well in Bolivian Soccer

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]