Brazil were pushed to physical extremes in their World Cup qualifier with Bolivia on Thursday.

The game was rich with chances as Brazil forced a number of impressive saves from home 'keeper Lampe as the fixture eventually finished goalless.

As a result, there was no reward for the visitors who had been subject to the gruelling altitude of the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz.

Sitting a dizzying 3,637 metres (11,932 feet) above sea level, it is one of the highest sports stadiums in the world and left the Brazilian players needing oxygen masks after the game. Yes, really.

Neymar took to Instagram after the game to lament the conditions, stating: "Inhuman to play in such conditions, field, altitude, ball .. everything bad. But we were happy for the performance of the team even with these conditions."

Manager Tite corroberated such emotions after the game: "I have to praise our professionals for all the logistics of the medical department, that gave all the support to make people feel the effects less," he declared. 

"The performance surprised. Playing here is very difficult. Strategically, I was very happy. We were upright, offensive. I want to emphasise this great performance. I am happy for the performance but upset about the result."

The Bolivia players are, of course, far more accustomed to the conditions in La Paz and it was more than apparent in their heroic defending. 

One of Brazil's best chances of the game came just before half-time when Neymar burst through on goal before being denied no less than THREE times.

Lampe rushed out from his goal to pacify the immediate danger, pick-pocketing the ball from Neymar well before the PSG superstar eventually won it back. He turned, shot and saw his effort headed off the line.

Miraculously, it fell back to his feet again and - having skinned two players - produced another shot and forced the exact same result. Incredible. Check it out below:

You just couldn't write it.

Neymar must have known it wasn't his day when a fluffed one-on-one was proceeded by two gallant goal-line clearances. 

On a day where Bolivia's goalkeeper was in inspired form, it seems their defenders were equally capable between the sticks minus the gloves.

The amount of times Neymar swung his leg, fell to his feet and pulled himself back up again - no wonder he needed oxygen.

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