Rumors have circulated suggesting that England players might resort to using Viagra to aid their performance in the upcoming World Cup match against Mexico in Mexico City. The team’s manager has now addressed these claims head-on.
The World Cup round of 16 matches on Sunday is approaching, with teams gearing up for crucial games that could determine their fate in the tournament.
However, the focus of preparations is reportedly shifting from traditional tactics to addressing the challenges posed by the high altitude of the Estadio Azteca.
Al Jazeera reports that the stadium is situated 2,240 meters above sea level, leading to thinner air that can make breathing more challenging.
This poses a significant concern for players who must endure the physical demands of a 90-minute match in such conditions.
But how did Viagra enter the discussion as a potential solution for coping with the altitude?
England Coach Thomas Tuchel addressed these rumors, emphasizing that they should be taken with a grain of salt.
In a pre-game press conference on Saturday, Tuchel responded to questions about using Viagra to mitigate high-altitude effects.
“The information to support it didn’t reach me, so that’s not true,” Tuchel stated unequivocally.
Legally, players could use Viagra without violating the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of prohibited substances.
According to WADA, research indicates that Viagra could enhance ‘oxygen delivery’, which might be beneficial for players dealing with the demanding conditions in Mexico.
However, the effectiveness of the drug is dependent on various factors, including the altitude’s severity and individual responses to low oxygen levels.
Regarding its status as a performance enhancer, substances like Sildenafil are deemed not to provide significant advantages in oxygen delivery or exercise performance at altitudes below 4000 meters for most trained athletes.
This is why it remains an approved substance.
Discussing the challenges posed by Mexico’s altitude, Tuchel commented shortly after England’s victory over DR Congo.
“It is maybe one of the most beautiful fixtures, the most exciting fixtures that you can have, to play against Mexico in the Azteca,” Tuchel remarked.
“And there will be a lot of obstacles waiting for us, not to mention the altitude will be, of course, a big disadvantage because we cannot physically adapt to it in four days. It’s just impossible.”
With Mexico having lost only two out of 89 competitive games at the Azteca, England faces a formidable challenge.