Brazilian-born Rojas called up by Bolivia
Reuters - Wednesday 25 May 2011, 02:15
LA PAZ - Portugal-based, Brazilian-born
striker Edivaldo Rojas was named in Bolivia's national team on
Tuesday, on the basis of video clips watched by coach Gustavo
Quinteros.
The 25-year-old Rojas, who plays in Portugal for relegated
Naval, only began the paperwork to obtain Bolivian nationality
last week. His mother is Bolivian and he spent part of his
childhood there.
Quinteros named Rojas in Bolivia's squad for two friendlies
against Paraguay at home in Santa Cruz de la Sierra on June 3
and away in Luque four days later as part of their preparations
for the July 1-24 Copa America in Argentina, where they are in
Group A and meet the hosts in the opening match in La Plata.
Rojas hit the news in Bolivia three months ago when local
media reported a Bolivian citizen living in Portugal had told
Quinteros of the player, who had the name 'Bolivia' as a
nickname on his shirt.
"I never thought about playing for Bolivia, but of course I
love my mother's country where I spent many happy years," Rojas
was quoted as saying when he arrived in La Paz last week.
"But I'm no saviour, I'll just do my bit."