Ecstatic Bolivian fans have taken to the streets of La Paz to celebrate their team's 6-1 victory over Argentina.

The defeat has brought Diego Maradona's honeymoon period as Argentina coach to an abrupt end.

Striker Joaquin Botero scored a hat-trick while Marcelo Martins, Didi Torrico and Brazilian-born Alex da Rosa shared Bolivia's other goals at 3,600 metres above sea level.

Luis Gonzalez replied for the visitors, who suffered their worst defeat since their 5-0 home loss to Colombia in 1993.

Argentina, who won their first three games under Maradona without conceding a goal, also had substitute Angel di Maria sent off after only seven minutes on the pitch.

"Every Bolivia goal was a stab in my heart," said Maradona.

However, his team are still well-placed to qualify for the 2010 finals in South Africa with 19 points from 12 games in the ten-team South American group. Bolivia, with 12 points, have an outside chance.

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