Asociación del Fútbol Argentino 10 en Historia

Si se toman en cuenta los éxitos de las distintas Selecciones y de clubes afiliados, en lo que bien podríamos denominar "futbol tradicional", la Argentina es el país del mundo que más trofeos ganó en el nivel internacional. Un legítimo orgullo. Una irrefutable muestra de nuestro poderío. Una gloriosa historia donde se entremezclan el valor, el sudor y la alegría. La risa y las lágrimas.En la inteligencia de que nuestros aficionados y los del mundo entero tienen derecho a ver y a conocer estas reliquias y el origen de las mismas, las que guardamos con enorme celo e infinito placer, pusimos en marcha una delicada tarea para exhibirlas a todas con una reseña de su invalorable historia. Esta es la síntesis de una historia que por fortuna tiene principio y un predecible camino de constante enriquecimiento.
SELECCIÓN MAYOR
FIFA / MUNDIALES (2):Argentina 1978, México 1986
CONMEBOL / COPA AMÉRICA (14):1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993
FIFA / COPA INTERCONTINENTAL (actual COPA CONFEDERACIONES) (1):1992
FIFA / COPA ARTEMIO FRANCHI (1):1993
OTRAS COPAS (torneos avalados por FIFA donde participan más de un seleccionado)Copa de las Naciones (1):Brasil 1964
Copa Kirin World Annual (1):Japón 1992
SELECCIÓN SUB-23
FIFA - COI / JUEGOS OLIMPICOS (1):Medalla de Oro - Atenas 2004
CONMEBOL / PREOLÍMPICOS (4):Perú 1960, Perú 1964, Colombia 1980, Chile 2004
SELECCIÓN SUB-20
FIFA / MUNDIALES JUVENILES (5):Tokio 1979, Qatar 1995, Malasia 1997, Argentina 2001, Holanda 2005
CONMEBOL / SUDAMERICANOS JUVENILES (4):Paraguay 1967, Chile 1997, Argentina 1999, Uruguay 2003
SELECCIÓN SUB-17
CONMEBOL / SUDAMERICANOS JUVENILES (2):Argentina 1985, Bolivia 2003
SELECCIÓN PANAMERICANA
ODEPA / JUEGOS PANAMERICANOS (6):Argentina 1951, México 1955, Estados Unidos 1959, Colombia 1971, Argentina 1995, República Dominicana2003
CAMPEONATO PANAMERICANO PROFESIONAL (1):Costa Rica 1960
Total títulos oficiales de Selecciones: 42
Otras Copas y Competencias (Selecciones Mayores y Juveniles): 125
Copa Roca (4): (1923, 39, 40, 71)
Copa Dittborn (8): (1962, 64, 65, 68, 71, 72, 74, 76).
Copa Chevallier Boutell (13): (1924, 25, 26, 31, 39, 40, 43, 45, 50, 56, 63, 64, 71).
Copa Ramón Castilla (4): (1972/73, 76, 78).
Copa Lipton (19): (1906, 07, 08, 09, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 28, 37, 42, 45, 57, 62, 68, 71, 76 y 92).
Copa Newton (18): (1906, 07, 08, 09, 11, 16, 18, 24, 27, 28, 37, 42, 45, 57, 71, 73, 75, 76).
Copa Cámara de Diputados Argentina (1) (1929).
Copa Centro Automovilístico Uruguayo (1) (1929).
Copa de Honor Gran Premio de Uruguay (5): (1915, 16, 17, 23, 24).
Copa de Honor Gran Premio de Argentina (7): (1909, 11, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20).
Copa Félix Bogado (1): (1976).
Copa Juan Mignaburu (5): (1935, 36, 38, 40, 43).
Copa Héctor Rivadavia Gómez (3): (1935, 38, 43).
Copa Círculo de Prensa (1): (1916).
Copa Presidente Roque Sáenz Peña (1): (1913).
Copa Roque Sáenz Peña (1): (1941).
Copa Presidente de Argentina, Ortiz (1): (1941).
Copa Presidente de Chile, P.A. Cerdá (1): (1940).
Copa Sudamérica (1)
Copa Centenario AFA (1): (1993).
Copa Nelson Mandela (1): (1995).
Copa Salta (1): (1994).
Copa Montevideo (1): (1912).
Copa Centenario de la Revolución de Mayo (1): (1910).
Copa Mercosur (1): (1995)
Copa Cornelio Saavedra (1): (1975).
Copa Raul H. Colombo (1): (1956)
Copa Munic. de Córdoba (1): (1995).
Copa Banco de Mendoza (1): (1998).
Copa Prov. de Buenos Aires (1): (1995).
Copa 75 Aniversario FIFA (1): (1979).Copa Reebok (1): (2000).
Copa Kirin Challenge (3): (2002, 2003, 2004)
Copa Municipalidad de Córdoba Sub 23 (1): (1999)
Torneo Esperanzas de Toulón Sub 20 (2): (1975, 98).
Juegos Odesur Sub 20 (2): (1982, 86).
Copa Alvaro Perea Sub 20 (1): (1998).
Copa Diario La Capital Sub 20 (1): (1998).
Mundialito Panamá Sub 20 (1): (2005).
Copa Esperanzas de Corea 2007 Sub 17 (1): (2006).
Cuadrangular Internacional de San Luis Sub 17 (1): (2006).
Copa Nesquik Sub 17 (1): (1998).
Trofeo Salerno Follarosport Mundialito Sub 17 (1): (1998).
Campeonato Mundial Minimes - Montaigu, Francia Sub 17 (1): (2002).
Busan International Youth Tournament Sub 17 (1): (2003).
Totales: 167
FAIR PLAY:
FIFA: Selección Mayor:
Argentina 1978.
Sub 23: Atlanta 1996, Atenas 2004.
Sub 20: Malasia 1997, Argentina 2001.
Sub 17: Italia 1991, Egipto 1997.
CONMEBOL:
Sub 23: Chile 2004.
Sub 20: Chile 1997, Argentina 1999.
Sub 17: Perú 1995, Paraguay 1997, Bolivia 2003
TITULOS DEL FUTBOL ARGENTINO A NIVEL CLUBES

Copas continentales e intercontinentales
Boca Juniors: 16 (5 Libertadores, 3 Intercontinentales, 1 Supercopa, 3 Recopa Sudamericana, 2 Sudamericana, 1 Copa Master de Supercopa, 1 Copa de Oro)
Independiente: 15 (7 Libertadores, 2 Intercontinentales, 3 Interamericanas, 2 Supercopas, 1 Recopa Sudamericana)
River Plate: 5 (2 Libertadores, 1 Intercontinental, 1 Interamericana, 1 Supercopa)Estudiantes: 5 (3 Libertadores, 1 Intercontinental, 1 Interamericana)
Veléz Sarsfield: 5 (1 Libertadores, 1 Intercontinental, 1 Interamericana, 1 Supercopa, 1 Recopa Sudamericana)
Racing Club: 3 (1 Libertadores, 1 Intercontinental, 1 Supercopa)
Argentinos Juniors: 2 (1 Libertadores, 1 Interamericana)
San Lorenzo: 2 (1 Mercosur, 1 Sudamericana)
Lanús: 1 (Copa Conmebol)
Rosario Central: 1 (Copa Conmebol)
Talleres: 1 (Copa Conmebol)
Total títulos clubes: 56
Totales: 223

Boca lost the final

The stadium of Vélez Sarsfield was a witness of the game, filled up to bursting with the fans of both teams. Boca and Estudiantes played for the title of Argentine soccer.

Boca was more than its opponent during the whole first half. It husbanded the time of the game carefully and distributed the ball intelligently, while Simeone’s team was imprecise in its passing.

Boca’s superiority was evident from kickoff onwards. The first time it got into the rival area Barros Schelotto passed the ball to Ledesma on the left, who sent a long cross beyond the second goalpost to Martín Palermo. The striker volleyed with his right foot and netted the ball beyond the reach of goalie Andujar. Boca was on its way to the title.


La Volpe’s team seemed calmer and surer, playing the ball in depth. The midfield of Estudiantes was conspicuous for its absence: Galván, Braña, Verón, Angeleri, Alvarez were at odds with the ball. Near the end of the first half it created danger for Boca with some freekicks and cornershots and two shots fired by Pavone, one of which hit the goalpost.

The last minutes went by in an atmosphere of conflict between the two teams. On account of a physical clash and the ensuing reaction of Alvarez the latter and Pablo Ledesma were sent off.

The second half witnessed an impressive comeback on the part of Estudiantes. At 19’ Sosa succeed in scoring the equalizer. He fired a freekick which curled its way over the barrier and into the right angle of Bobadilla’s goal.
After the draw La Volpe’s team went forward on the field, but lacked ideas to regain the edge in the score. Estudiantes adopted the counterattack tactic and was able to unlevel the score in its favor thanks to Pavone after a misunderstanding in Boca’s defence.

The minutes went by and Boca was in a hurry to tie again to be able to gain access to the 30’ of supplementary time. However, Estudiantes withstood the storm and could even have widened its edge. The title was lost by very little. Simeone’s team is now celebrating the title. It is the legitimate champion of the Apertura tournament.

Estudiantes de La Plata es el campeón del Apertura Gillette Prestobarba Excel 2006(From AFA Official web site)

El equipo que dirige Diego Pablo Simeone derrotó 2-1 a Boca Juniors en el primer partido desempate en torneos cortos. El Pincharrata se coronó por cuarta vez en el profesionalismo, en los certámenes organizados por la Asociación del Fútbol Argentino. Sosa, Pavone y Palermo fueron los goleadores del inédito cotejo disputado a cancha llena en el estadio José Amalfitani del Club Atlético Vélez Sársfield.
El Torneo Apertura Gillette Prestobarba Excel 2006 tiene, desde esta tarde, a Estudiantes de La Plata como único dueño. En el primer partido desempate en la historia de los campeonatos cortos (1991), el conjunto comandado por Diego Simeone venció en el estadio de Vélez Sársfield al de Ricardo La Volpe por 2-1 con goles de José Sosa y Mariano Pavone a los 64 y 80 minutos, respectivamente. Boca Juniors había abierto la cuenta a los 4, con tanto de Martín Palermo. De esta manera, agregó un nuevo lauro a sus vitrinas que lucen, además, los títulos Nacionales de 1982 y 1983, y el Metropolitano de 1967. Luego de 20 encuentros, el conjunto de La Plata culminó con una campaña muy fructífera: ganó 15, empató 2 y perdió 3. Convirtió 37 goles a favor y le anotaron 13. Obtuvo 44 puntos. También fue la sorpresa y principal figura de un torneo que mantuvo expectante al país hasta el último momento. Desde la 7ª fecha, en la que perdió 1-0 en el Gigante de Arroyito con Rosario Central, Estudiantes conservó su invicto por 13 partidos, de los cuales empató sólo uno (Argentinos Juniors) y salió victorioso en los 12 restantes.

阿根廷蝉联盲人世界杯冠军

阿根廷在昨晚的决赛里1：0击败巴西，继02年里约之后再次赢得盲人世界杯冠军。 比赛在布宜诺斯艾利斯的高水平竞技国家中心进行，连续两次当选盲人世界杯最佳球员的西尔维奥·贝洛下半时为阿根廷攻入致胜一球。

Boca stay clear at the top in Argentina

Boca Juniors stayed four points clear of Estudiantes with two games to play after both teams won in the Argentine championship at the weekend.

Boca moved closer to their third title in a row by thrashing lowly Colon 4-1 and Estudiantes beat Racing Club 2-0 to chalk up their 10th win in a row.

Despite speculation that the players were unhappy with coach Ricardo La Volpe's training methods, Boca are only one win away from clinching an Apertura championship which has been marred by crowd riots and intimidation.

Neri Cardozo gave Boca a 17th-minute lead which was wiped out by a penalty converted by Colombian playmaker Giovanny Hernandez six minutes later.

However, Guillermo Marino put Boca back in front in the 51st minute and striker Rodrigo Palacio sealed the points by helping himself to two goals in the last half hour.

Diego Galvan and Gonzalo Saucedo scored in each half as Diego Simeone's Estudiantes, the only team who can catch Boca, beat Racing.

Argentina dethrone dominant Brazil

As the stars of Argentine women's football hugged each other in joyous celebration of a historic victory, their beaten Brazilian opponents were left to wonder just how their continental title had slipped from their grasp.

For the Albicelestes, there can surely have been no sweeter possible way of cementing their place at the FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 than by dethroning their eternal rivals on their way to their first-ever South American crown, all in front of their ecstatic home fans.
To put the win into perspective, Argentina's dramatic 2-0 win in the tournament's final match signalled the end of an era that had lasted for 15 years. Until Sunday's decisive showdown, Brazil had triumphed in all four South American tournaments to date, winning every single game. This astonishing run of success had seen the Canarinhas score an incredible 173 goals, with just nine in reply.

While the samba stars can take consolation in already having booked their ticket for China 2007, the defeat against their biggest rivals was a real body blow to Jorge Barcelos and his talented charges. The Auriverde may have travelled to the Argentine city of Mar del Plata without star players Marta and Katia, but they remained the red-hot favourites to retain the trophy.

"We knew that Brazil were not as far ahead as they once were, and that our determination to 'challenge them for the title' was not just empty posturing. After three years of hard work we felt that the time was right to spring a surprise and that's what we did," revealed the Argentine coach Carlos Borello in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com. "We're really happy and it's an achievement well worth celebrating, although we'll need to get back to work soon and start focusing on the World Cup."

 
 
Consistency the key
The victorious Argentines ended the tournament unbeaten, recording six wins and one draw from seven games played. Their only dropped points came against Paraguay in the first game of the final round of qualifying.

"We had a quite understandable dip in form after a comfortable but intense first phase," reflected Borello, his voice still hoarse after the raucous victory celebrations. "Luckily we were able to bounce back quickly with a good win over Uruguay which helped settle the girls' nerves. Everything went just as we'd planned against Brazil. The girls were focused and didn't make any mistakes. They also attacked well and took their chances."
What did he feel was the team's best feature during the tournament? "Consistency. We were solid at the back and took our chances up front, although we did make rather too many mistakes. Besides which, they are a young side with a great team spirit and have plenty of room for improvement."

Argentina racked up an impressive 21 goals throughout the tournament on home soil, their solitary goal against coming in the opening-game win over Uruguay. Making a vital contribution to her team's success was four-goal top scorer Maria Belen Potassa, one of five members of the U-20 squad to start for the senior side against the mighty Brazil.

Brazil given food for thought
"My objective is to win the tournament and guarantee our place in China," were the confident words of the Verdeamarelas' coach Jorge Barcelos in the days leading up to the competition.

On the positive side, Barcelos' side booked their ticket to China with a game to spare, although their failure to retain their title was a bitter pill to swallow. With next year's event on Chinese soil in mind, the flamboyant Brazilians can take heart from the team's overall performance in the absence of Marta and Katia, as well as the explosive form of striking sensation Cristiane Rozeira - the tournament's top scorer with 12 strikes.

Prior to their earth-shattering reverse against Argentina, the Canarinhas had stormed to six wins from six games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two. They continued their good form into the opening half-hour of the Argentina game, taking the game to their opponents and forcing Albiceleste keeper Romina Ferro into two fine saves.

Brazil would eventually pay the price for three minutes of slack defending, lapses of concentration at the back allowing Eva Gonzalez and Maria Potassa to fire home in the 66th and 68th minute respectively. As Barcelos well knows, moments like these would prove fatal to Brazilian hopes at China 2007.
 
Uruguay causing a stir
Perhaps the team making greatest strides on the South American scene turned out to be Uruguay, with a young squad packed with players from the U-20 side.

Coach Juan Jose Duarte has built a solid, hard-to-beat outfit, who picked up third-place with an exciting 3-2 final game win over Paraguay. The Celestes' success was built on outstanding displays between the sticks from Luciana Gomez, voted the tournament's top keeper, and the deadly finishing of Angelica Souza, scorer of all her side's goals against the Guaranis.
Paraguay, meanwhile, took the Fair Play Award to go with their fourth-place finish, and were the only team to take points from the victorious host nation. Defeat against their Uruguayan neighbours failed to take the shine off an impressive showing by Agustin Cabrera's squad, with attacking duo Irma Cuevas and Monica Vega to the fore. The evergreen Cuevas forged a fearsome partnership with up-and-coming talent Vega, scoring four goals to her partner's three. The deadly double act were the tournament's third most effective strike pairing, notching 7 of their side's 13 goals.

Finally, a special mention must go to both Venezuela and Ecuador for their promising first-round performances, although a place in the final round proved to be a bridge too far. In contrast, Peru and Colombia failed to build on their performances from 2003, when they reached the final phase, the two teams heading home empty-handed after the first round.

For more information visit the official CONMEBOL site, available in Spanish and English.

Argentina Map

Boca Juniors`s Stadium

Boca Juniors first stadium was an old woden field built up in the starting 20s in the same site where La Bombonera stands nowadays. In was in that field where the xeneize team played during the Amateur years and conquered its first titles in the Professional league, until construction works for the new concrete Stadium began on february 18, 1938.From 1938 to 1940, Boca had to play his home matches in Ferro Carril Oeste Stadium while the engineer, Mr. José L. Delpini headed the construction worksThe great moment finally arrived on May 25,1940. "Boca’s Coliseum" –that’s how they used to call it-, was opened with a friendly match against San Lorenzo de Almagro, in which the xeneizes won 2-0, with 2 goals scored by Ricardo Alarcón.At the beginning, the Bombonera had 2 of the 3 current tiers and it wasn’t until 1949 that it was decided to resume the last construction phase which was completed in 1953.During 43 years nothing changed in the construction anatomy of the Stadium until 1996, when –under Mauricio Macri’s presidency- a big remodelling was approved. The old Executive Boxes on Del Valle Iberlucea Street were pulled down and replaced by a small tier over which the current VIPBoxes were built.
Name of the Stadium: Alberto J. Armando
Address: Brandsen 805, Capital Federal
Opening date : 25 de mayo de 1940
Capacity: 57.395 espectadores
Constructor: Ingeniero José L. Delpini
How to get thereBuses: 10-20-22-24-25-29-33-39-46-53-54-64-70-74-86-93-102-129-130-152-159-168-186
SectorsExecutive Boxes, Seating Areas and Stands.
GatesBrandsen Street: doors 1-2-3-3 bis-4-5-5 bis-6Iberlucea Street: doors 7-7 bis-8-8 bis-9-9 bis-10-10 bis-11-11 bis-12-13Incide the Club (through Iberlucea or Espora streets): 15-16-17-18-19-20-21-22
Ticket offices operating hoursTicket offices operating hours depend on each match. All the box offices are on Aristóbulo del Valle street.(Outbuilding CASA AMARILLA Sports Facilities)
Disabled FacilitiesWheelchairs usually stand in the Seating Area Sector L but it also depends on each spectacle. The access is with the elevator located in Gate 18.
ParkingThe Stadium doesn’t have any parking available for the spectators. However, there’s a parking lot available for Club members holding Season tickets on Villafañe street.
ServicesThe Stadium holds bars and other catering serving points.

A vote of confidence

The backing wasn’t long in coming. Faced with the inevitable question of the journalists coach Ricardo La Volpe didn’t hesitate: "On Sunday it will be Krupoviesa and ten more". Conclusive and forcible. Against Belgrano in Córdoba, where our team could grab the crown of the tri-champion, the wingback from Tucumán will be back in the first division after complying with a five-rounds sanction. “We lost a lot in Juan’s absence. He’s a very important player who marks well and is able to reach the rival’s goal. If he’s going to play again? Of course, on Sunday it’ll be Krupoviesa and ten more. He has been the regular player in his position, and that’s how it should be, “ the coach announced.
After these statements from the coach, the question mark is which player will be leaving the first division team: Dátolo, who played a great game against Colón or Guillermo Marino. It will be a hard decision to make for the coach because the team is performing at a very even level.
When the former goalkeeper was asked what it was that astonished him most regarding Boca’s ambience, he avowed: “I knew that Boca is one of the most important teams in the world. But Boca’s everyday reality has surpassed my expectations. The pressures one experiences are greater than those I felt while coaching the Mexican National Team, no doubt”.

River Plate`s History

Beginning and Development
At the beginning of the century, next to the River "Riachuelo". By that time, two teams were discussing football supremacies in the area: "La Rosales" (in honour of an heroic corvette) installed its football field on an irregular land of Wilson´s coal bunker and won its first match against "Estrella Polar" at Parque Patricios. Meanwhile, at Mr. Jacobs house, sub manager of the coal bunker, relatives and students, englishman´s friends met every Sunday afternoon. One day, a football ball appeared, they played for a long while and finally the idea cropped up: And if we form a football club? It was on August 30th so they called it Santa Rosa.The rivals got tougher and tougher each time so the idea to merge was definite and took place on May 25th , 1901. After several comings and goings, the name River Plate was chosen. The reason was that while Dock Nº 3 was being built, Martinez had seen some sailors leaving some huge boxes aside (what they contained was a mystery for everyone) and started playing with the ball during their spare time. What drew Martinez´s attention most was the inscription on the boxes: "The River Plate". The first football field was founded on the east end of the Darsena Sur. The Club´s first team started playing there: Moltedo, Ratto, Cevallos, Peralta, Carrega, Bard (el presidente), Kitzler, Martinez, Flores, Zanni y Messina.
THE RED STRIPE:On a carnival night which was coming to its end, an old cart appeared looking for a place to rest. On the rear of the cart hung an untidy silk red ribbon. A quintet of lads decided to steel it as one of their many pranks. This had a reason: to add a touch of colour to the white shirt that, up to that moment, identified River Plate. They first wore the red stripe diagonally and later they pinned it on. The idea was a success. The new shirt was first worn in a match against "Maldonado", a club from Palermo, the score isn't known, but River beat them. For sure, that cart driver never got to know that, without meaning to, he contributed to give light to one of the most famous shirt worldwide.
Leopoldo Bard: The first ChairmanHe was one of those pioneers that fought from the beginning in order to create the impressive and majestic club we have today. That young man, from Santa Rosa, in the club's first stages, was together with Pedro Martinez who proposed the name River Plate. In River's history, this man appears as an unavoidable character because he was one of the founders, he was a player and captain of the first team and because he was it's first chairman. An anecdote that reflects his love for River: At that time, Bard as a medical student in the Muñiz Hospital, saw a publicity note of the hospital and he thought it would be good for River Plate. After a storm, the notice fell down and, four days later the notice was still on the floor and nobody picked it up, so he took it to the hospital's carpenter's shop, erased the original announcement and instead in it's place painted the name and the clubs flag.
THE PROMOTION:On December 13th 1908, Racing Club and River Plate played to obtain promotion to first division. River was winning 2-1 when the euphoric sympathizers decided to invade the field. The final was rescheduled for December 27th, at this time River beat Racing 7-1 obtaining the so lounged for promotion to first division. These were the players that achieved the promotion: Luraschi, Chiappe y Politano, Messina, Morroni y Chagneaud, Anapodisto García, Grifero, Abaca Gómez, Elías Fernandez y Priano.
THE REMUVALS:As from the foundation and up to 1923, there were all jumps from one place to another, planned movements or irrational impulses. From the South Dock to Sarandí, from Sarandí to the Dock, from there to town, from town to Caballito and from there to La Boca, from La Boca to the North…
ALUMNI, THE FAMOUS LOSERS:The day that River Plate played the first match against Alumni (the strongest team at that time) River lost 3-1, but all the people from River were very offended with Alumni men because they arrived at the field ready to play. They didn't want to use River's sports centre, that in spite of being modest, they offered major cleanliness and comfort. River had prepared itself as a luxury host for that occasion. This was never forgotten by River Plate, so in 1909 when thay had to play at and against Alumni, this time on their premises, they all wanted to show that River modesty lacked merit when playing football and beat them 1-0 (Hernán Rodriguez scored)

Boca won decisively

At the Bombonera Boca beat Colón by 3 to 1. Its goals were scored by Cardozo, Marino and Palacio. Giovanni Hernández had tied the game provisionally for the team from Santa Fe.
Boca took off in clear command of the game. Cardozo and Dátolo were the most dangerous players for the rival goal, and these were the men who shared the merit for Boca’s first goal. Dátolo set up the play on the left and Neri converted from the middle.
Before the first half expired Daniel Díaz brought down Rubén Ramírez in Boca’s area. Baldassi didn’t hesitate and ordered a penalty kick. . Giovanni Hernández equalized. .
At the start of the second half La Volpe’s team looked decided to obtain the second goal. Marino received the ball within Colón’s area, turned and shot a leftfooter. 2-1.
Even though the game seemed almost defined Boca wanted more. Thus came the goals of Rodrigo Palacio, who in both remaining goals sent in two respective crossed shots from left to right.
Boca is ever nearer of the triple championship. It needs only three of the six points at play to win the Apertura tournament.

Boca Juniors`s History And Glory

Boca Juniors was born on Monday april 3rd,1905, when five young boys who lived in La Boca neighbourhood (Esteban Baglietto, Alfredo Scarpatti, Santiago Sana and brothers Juan and Teodoro Farenga) got together at Solís Square with the intention to found a football club. Without even imagining it, this group of italian inmigrants wrote the first pages of the rich history of Argentina’s most popular football club. The name of the club was taken from that of the neighbourhood but the word "Juniors" was added to give it an english tone and enhance it with more prestige, in order to counteract the “difficult neighbourhood” fame La Boca had gained at that time. During its first years, Boca Juniors wore different shirts that were changed constantly until the well-known classic blue and yellow one was adopted.The first shirt was pink, followed by a vertically striped black and white one until 1907, when both yellow and blue colors were adopted. These colors were taken from the swedish flag on a boat which was moored in the port during those daysBoca Juniors shows a great track record in amateur competitions, wining 7 titles. 1919, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1930 Championships and the Honour Cup in 1925.In the Profesional League, the xeneize club won the following championships: 1931, 1934, 1935, 1940, 1943, 1944, 1954, 1962, 1964, 1965, Argentina Cup and National in 1969, National in 1970, Metropolitan and National in 1976, Metropolitan in 1981, Apertura '92, Apertura '98, Clausura '99, Apertura 2000, Apertura 2003 and Apertura 2005. * Boca won local Clausura '91, but lost the season uniting final against Newell's Old Boys de Rosario.Another glorious chapter in the club’s history is that of the international achievements. Boca won the Libertadores Cup five times (1977, 1978, 2000, 2001 and 2003), the Intercontinental Cup three times (1977, 2000 and 2003), one Supercopa (1989), three Southamerican Cups (2004 and 2005), three Southamerican Recopa (1990, 2005 and 2006), one Master Cup (1992) and one Nicolás Leoz Golden Cup (1993).Throughout almost one hundred years of history many players wore the blue and gold shirt and ended up as absolute idols in the institution, such as Francisco Varallo, Mario Boyé, Angel Clemente Rojas, Antonio Roma, Alfredo Rojas, Antonio Rattín, Vicente Pernía, Hugo Gatti, Silvio Marzolini, Diego Maradona, Gabriel Batistuta, Martín Palermo and Juan Román Riquelme.


Nationals:
Amateur: 1919/1920/1923/1924/1926/1930
Copa de Honor en 1925.
Professional:1931/1934/1935/1940/1943/1944/1954/1962/1964/1965
Copa Argentina y Nacional 1969
Nacional 1970
Metropolitano y Nacional 1976
Metropolitano 1981
Apertura 1992
Apertura 1998
Clausura 1999
Apertura 2000
Apertura 2003
Apertura 2005
Clausura 2006


Internationals:
Libertadores Cup 1977/1978/2000/2001/ 2003
Intercontinental Cup 1977 /2000/2003
Supercopa 1989
Southamerican Cup 2004/2005
Southamerican Recopa 1990/2005/ 2006
Master Cup 1992
Nicolás Leoz Golden Cup 1993

* Boca won local Clausura '91, but lost the season uniting final against Newell's Old Boys de Rosario.

Maradona`s Story 8

" When I wear the national t-shirt, its sole contact with my skin makes it stand on an end". Do we need to add anything else to this definition made by Diego Maradona? Certainly not.His first contact with these colors took place in Chascomus, on April 3rd, 1977. That day would be unforgettable. The Junior National Team defeated a local squad by 3-2. Only five days after this, Diego scored his first goal with this shirt in Cipoletti. Very soon he realized that sadness was even worse when Argentina depended on him: that same year, during the South American Championship held at Venezuela, they played three games, loosing them all. Rage was already becoming the best fuel that could give him power and strength, seeking for revenge.But to prove these feelings he had to go through one of the worst shocks: not taking part in World Cup ‘78, that on top was going to take place in Argentina. He cried with no consolation, as if someone had died. He then promised his parents, his girlfriend and friends that he would win every single trophy in the world and would bring them home.On the way to fulfill that promise, he even surprised the German player Franz Beckenbauer. On November 3rd, 1978, in Tucuman, after a friendly match where they had beaten the Cosmos, the great Kaiser asked for his t-shirt as a souvenir.The South American Championship in Uruguay was ahead. That tournament was the qualifier for the Junior World Cup to be played in Tokio. They ended in second place, after a tie with no goals against Uruguay on January 8th, 1979 and defeating Brazil by 1-0 on January 31st, that same year.After this, the time for the big revenge arrived.The first bunch of players were chosen by Ernesto Duchini and Cesar Luis Menotti was the one in charge of giving shape to an unforgettable team, a unique one. "I have never had so much fun inside a field. Apart from my daughters, this is the biggest happiness I have ever had" was Diego’s own definition. In Argentina, people felt the same way, as they would wake up at four in the morning just for watching them play. The world was amazed by such magnificent skill. One heel pass here, a dribble over there. Starting line-up was known by heart, something typical with great teams along history: Sergio García; Carabelli, Juan Simón, Rossi, Hugo Alves; Barbas, Rinaldi, Maradona; Escudero, Ramón Díaz, Gabriel Calderón.Their way to the finals was extremely easy for them. Their last obstacle happened to be the Soviet Union. They started loosing 1-0, but that was just a scare. 3-1, with a free-kick scored by Diego, was the final result. The Cup was at home, in Diego’s hands, who wanted to return to Buenos Aires to feel that moment, walk down the airplane’s stairs with the so longed trophy up high in the sky. It was for Tota, for don Diego, Claudia and everyone who loved him, for or all of us. He was beginning to fulfill his promise.
Diego Armando Maradona is capable of doing everything in order to defend Argentina’s colors. For example, he would cross the Atlantic Ocean four times in a fortnight just to play two friendly matches. Or argue with any manager in the world, who would pay the highest salary, just to wear the national t-shirt. Or play with an injured ankle that could hardly let him walk, and still be decisive for winning the game.His feelings for Argentina have been always like this. Since February 1977, when during an evening practice with the junior team against the senior ones (players such as Passarella, Gallego, Luque, Bertoni), the Flaco Cesar Luis Menotti called him aside and told him secretly that he would be chosen for the concentration for the friendly match against Hungary.His first match was on February 27th, 1977. And although Diego knew that he would play only if the game turned out to be an easy one, soon the claims for Maradóóó, Maradóóó! Came down from the bleachers. They wanted to see that little boy who had played no more than twelve games in First Division, but had the talent of an expert. They sensed it. He did, too.That Maradóóó, Maradóóó was heard many times since then. In all of the 91 official matches he played for he most beloved team, making 34 goals, and also when he did not play. For the people, this claim turned into a anthem that could be heard when the national team is not playing with all the strength they expect… This is what keeps Maradona still present in the national team.He shouted his first own goal in his ninth game. That happened on June 2nd, 1979 in Glasgow, playing against Scotland. Argentina won by 3-1, while the Scottish gave an ovation to that shorthaired little boy. He liked it so much that in the next match he patented his goal celebration. He jumped high in the air, with the legs wide open, the right knee higher and his right wrist being shaken towards the sky. That took place on June 25th, 1979 against the powerful team of Rest of the World. As always, there was some rage and anger in it, for one year before the national team coached by Cesar Luis Menotti, had won the World Cup… without Maradona. For Menotti’s point of view, there were other number 10 before Diego at that time, May 19th, 1978, time of decision, like Valencia, Villa, Alonso, Larrosa. Bitterness could not have been bigger for Maradona, nor so much fuel to feed his desire for revenge.Since then, scoring goals turned out to be something common for him; against Bolivia, Ireland Republic, Poland, Soviet Union, Brazil. And amongst all those games, Austria, where he scored three goals for the first time, on May 21st, 1980 in Viena; an authentic symphony.For a winner like Diego, World Cup Spain ’82 was, of course, a great frustration. He was already playing for the Barcelona, and everyone had the eyes on him, obviously waiting for the explosion of the number one. But that could not happen. There were different reasons for this to occur: that group was not eager for glory, they had tactical failures, individual lacks and received lots of hits, most of them towards Maradona. The only positive thing about his first game in a World Cup could be the first two goals he had scored against Hungary, on June 18th, 1982 for a final result of 4-1. At one fell swoop, the Italian player Claudio Gentile began to push him away. An arrogant play of the Brazilians ended up in his definite exclusion: a strong hit to Dirceu’s genitals, red card and goodbye to his first World Cup, on July 2nd, 1982.Although it may seem strange, he returned to the National Team nearly three years later. He was already playing for Napoli. National Team’s manager Carlos Salvador Bilardo chose him and he accepted: he would be captain and leader. That was perhaps, Bilardo’s best decision throughout his career. Diego’s compromise with the team was so strong, that the day when he returned to the National Team, on May 9th 1985, against Paraguay (1-1), will be remembered forever, not only for this, but for the huge trip that Diego accepted to make. This was a symbol of an unlimited engagement, that would become a trade mark in all argentine national teams for a long time: crossing the Atlantic Ocean was not something stressing nor tiring if on the other side the national team was waiting for him.Struggle, then was a completely different one, for no one, except for the players and coaches, liked that national team. The qualification for the World Cup in Mexico ’86 was agonic, and that was of no help. But Diego was still confident. And Bilardo trusted in Diego. And the World Cup finally arrived.No one can deny that the influence that Diego Armando Maradona had over that world champion team has no comparison to other teams, and that very few times in history there had been such a number one. It should be enough to mention that goal, The Goal, the best goal of all times: June 22nd, 1986, Aztec Stadium, Mexico; all England on the way, the ball inside the goal, what else can be said? But there is more, there is another historic goal in that same match, with the Hand of God. This one, like stealing the wallet from the English, that one, to avenge the boys that fought in Malvinas. All of these were Maradona’s definitions.But Diego was wrong when he thought that the scene of him with the World Cup on his hands, on June 29th, 1986, was enough to finish with all the arguments. To the contrary, it was not.The following years were of harsh struggle. Two America’s Cups, 1987 in Argentina and 1989 in Brazil, which were easily forgotten. His challenge to defend what belonged to him immediately arrived, World Cup Italy ’90. To no other world cup had Diego arrived in such splendor. He had just conquered his second scudetto playing for Napoli and he was physically perfect. Until an incarnated nail in his right foot toe troubled his way, an inopportune flu was another obstacle, and Cameroon players’ kicks finally stopped him. That happened on June 8th, 1990, in the Giusseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan; Cameroon 1, Argentina 0; one of the most painful defeats in Maradona’s career.Like many other times, the fact was getting angry and starting from zero again, or let him down and fall. They finally got started little by little. And thanks to the penalty shootouts, and goalkeeper Goycochea (Goyco), they managed to reach their aim. They arrived to the final match. Despite the fact they had some players suspended and some injured, including Diego, they were there. But before that, they had to eliminate Italy in the semifinals. Argentina won in the penalty shootout after a score of 1-1, in the San Paolo Satadium. For Diego, that was like his death sentence. It was logical then to see that, on July 8th, 1990, in the Olympic Stadium in Rome, during the final match of the World Cup, the Mexican referee Codesal ignored a penalty from Matthäus against Calderón, and gave one of Sensini against Völler. It was a second place. For Diego that was useless, as second places are never celebrated.Diego cried inside the field when everything was over. He was very sad and cried, but the people in the stadium did not understand his sadness and booed him. That was one of Diego’s worst shocks in his life. "I would have never imagined that there could be so many people happy with my own sadness", he said at that time.It was hard for him to return to the National Team after so much pain. More than two and a half years. On February 18th, 1993, during the celebrations for the Argentine’s Football Association centenary, he played against Brazil in the Monumental Stadium. He had already been named, fairly, the greatest argentine football player in history.And, after that damned fifteen months’ suspension in 1991, when there were few people who believed in his return, there he was again, leading Coco Alfio Basile’s team towards World Cup ’94 qualification. Australia saw him celebrate his 33rd birthday and the chance for his fourth World Cup.He was very good indeed. He was the best of all. The miracle had occurred. On June 21st, 1994, he celebrated and shouted his goal against Greece, and fought against Nigeria. He could not fight against the FIFA; they looked for something, and something they found. And he was sent off.He was just sent off from a World Cup. They will never be able to take him out from history.

Maradona`s Story 7

The idea belonged to Gringo Giusti, but anyone could have come up with it. With his manager suit on, this Diego’s former national team-mate was in the stadium watching a Newell’s match. The game was boring and not at all transcendental, when he looked at Tota Rodriguez and said: "This club needs an effective strike and I know the only person capable of doing it." That same person was, of course, football’s very own surname: Maradona. That seemed to be the best destiny. A city that breaths and lives for football was waiting for him. Everyone in Rosario was following his steps, even the fans of Rosario Central, Newell’s archrival, forgave him for playing in that team. "Let’s save Maradona, leprosy can heal", they would say ironically.Enthusiastic as a beginner, he began one of the most strict diets in his life. He lost 12 kilograms, thanks to a Chinese man whose name is very hard to remember: Liu Guo Cheng.On Monday September 13th, 1993, Independence Park burst with life. Anxiety was everywhere. It was an unrepeatable evening. Thirty thousand people were about to witness a miracle. Maradona dressed in red and black. His small body appeared in the field, and he felt that he could not coordinate his movements. He received an incredible ovation that encouraged him to shyly raise up his arms. A ball slid towards him, inviting him to do with it what no one else could imitate. Not even that made him react. His team-mates approached him with great admiration and threw him up high in the sky. His smile was everlasting, like that time, nearly a decade ago in the San Paolo. People had gone just to see him juggling with the ball.Indio Solari gave him all the comforts he needed. Eight years, ten months and eight days had passed for his return to Argentina to play for an Argentine team. That took place on October 10th, 1993 at Independiente’s Stadium, the very same place where he had watched his first matches and had been delighted with players such as Bochini and Bertoni.He showed his enthusiasm and quality in some of his trade marked plays. No one will forget that marvelous kick that the goalkeeper Islas saved miraculously. That one won’t be his last.Even when his time in the club was very short and that the story seemed to be unfinished, not a single Newell’s fan could ever regret having him amongst them, even though it was for just five games.

Maradona`s Story 6

He was suspended, it was like an Italian vendetta that forbid him to play football for fifteen months. It was too much time for such a talent. He needed to run, he needed to shout a goal, he needed to be happy.World Champion with Argentina, he won everything down in Italy. He had reached the top, heaven. He was God. He tried to become earthly again. Sevilla was the ideal destiny for that. The idea was to play and have fun.Endless negotiations with Napoli, that insisted on counting on him on his return after the suspension, were clear signs that he had no rest. He was once again the center of attention.Worth worshipping, the endless love of the people in Napoli longed for his feat. It was Latin blood that wouldn’t accept resignation. But Sevilla Football Club, with Carlos Salvador Bilardo as the coach and Cholo Simeone playing, waited for him. After 86 days of negotiations he managed to get his freedom. He cried while he held his daughters in his arms. As Juan Marcos Franchi, his manager, would say in that moment: "Boy, you’re free. Really free…"The 28th September, 1992 he stepped on a field again. Sevilla welcomed him with a party. Thirty thousand people expected him at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. The guest, the partenaire was Bayern Munich, with his friend Lotthar Matthaus. A free shoot to the crossbeam showed his talent remained untouched.He really had to keep on showing this at San Mames Stadium against athletic Bilbao. As the time hadn’t pass, the cathedral of the basque team had been the stage of the eternal battles of the time he played at Barcelona. But this time, the 4th October, 1992, the story was somehow different: it was his official presentation. Other things, of course were the same. The supporters of Bilbao with his unique welcome cry: "Goyko. Goyko!", Diego heard. The man who almost a decade before had turned his ankle into broken wood, had finally apologized for that the night before at the Sevilla Hotel.The truth is that if there was something the rivals hadn’t lost, was the respect they felt towards him. Real Madrid and Barcelona had seen the best of his talent. The National Team tempted him once again. The trips returned, the pressures, too. Troubles…began.The trips to Argentina to represent the light-blue and white t-shirt, wore away the relationship he kept with Luis Cuervas, the president. Nothing would be as it had been.The 12th October, 1993 meant something to Diego. It was the end. He burst. He had been hit in one of his knees and was in pain. During the halftime of the match against Burgos, Bilardo asked him to get in. Eight minutes after the beginning of the second half, the coach ordered the substitution. He felt they were using him. He stared at his eyes, boasted him and left. No one still knew where he was heaidng to.

Maradona`s Story 5

Maradona was already in Napoles when he noticed that in the last season his new club had saved from promotion for just a single point. Although he was surprised, he did not worry; as he was used to it. It was like returning to the beginning, when that team called Argentinos Juniors fought hard against the big ones.What indeed caught his attention from that populous, southern region he had arrived to, was the discrimination it suffered from the rest of Italy. He felt that since the beginning. When he traveled north with his team to play his first game in Italian League, in the wealthy calcio, against Verona. That took place in September 16th, 1984; the adverse 3-1 score, along with the flags showed by the rival fans, caused the mixture of both pain and eagerness inside Maradona’s blood. "Lavatevi!", have a shower, could be read on them.Italian football, the calcio, was already the League of Stars and the Napoli had the greatest; but, in order to shine brighter some other stars were needed. The first round of that first season, 1984/85 was the one of a team that could hardly save from promotion. Instead, the second one was completely different: the Napoli won more points than the team who was finally champion, the Verona of Italian Galderisi, German Briegel and Danish Elkjaer-Larsen.Along Diego’s hand, promotion was now an insult even in southern Italy’s dialect.Change of mentality was so evident that, in the second season, in 1985/86, and in association with Bruno Giordano, a forward he himself recommended, Maradona’s Napoli threatened and scared the powerful northern teams: it ended in the third position, and between the new number nine and Diego conquered 21 goals. Juventus, who that year resulted the winner of the Scudetto trophy, trembled…The final explosion occurred in the third season, in 1986/87. Napoli won his first Scudetto after a long wait that lasted for 60 years, leaving the powerful Milan behind, and setting the carnival in Napoles free. Consecration took place in the San Paolo Stadium, on May 10th, 1987: a tie in the result was enough for it: 1-1. Since that same day, and having no fear of heresy, the people of Napoles enthroned a new Saint: along with San Gennaro patron saint of the city, now there was Diego. Or even better, Diecó.Napoles, city of extremes, lived joy and frustration with a unique passion in Maradona’s fourth season, the one of 1987/88. That was probably the best start of Diego and of the team as a whole in its lifetime. But everything collapsed in the end, in such a way that no one could believe it. The thing was that the Napoli started like an unstoppable machine, breaking all sorts of records and statistics, things that Italians are very fond of, but when the final goal appeared at hand, the engine broke down. The Ma-Gi-Ca formula, composed by Maradona, Giordano and Careca, the Brazilian that had just joined the club, was not enough to avoid disaster: from the last seven matches, Napoli lost five and ended in a tie in two. The key game that was lost was the one against Milan, with a result of 3-2, on May 1st, and in the very own San Paolo. The reputation of an exceptional group was soon darkened. While many of the players were removed from the team, Maradona- upset by the suspicion- doubled his bet.During his fifth season, in 1988/89, the Napoli demonstrated that its good performance was not casual. Although it lost the battle against the great Inter, Napoli went beyond Italian frontiers: with Maradona, they won the first UEFA Cup in its history, making an extraordinary campaign and defeating the German team Stuttgart. The game of his final return was played in Germany, on May 17th, 1989. A tie in three awarded Napoli. The championship.At that point, Diego thought that his time in the club had reached to an end. Nevertheless, none of the team managers dared to open the door for him to fly away. That is why he faced his sixth season in Napoli during 1989/90 with great resentment. It is known that many times this resentment has been Maradona’s fuel. And this was not precisely the exception. Head to head with Milan, they made the decisive difference in the end. When everyone talked about that great Napoli of Maradona, the great Maradona of Napoli answered in his own way: winning the second scudetto in the history of the club. Consecration took place once again in San Paolo stadium, after defeating the Lazio by a score of 1-0, on April 29th, 1990.Just after this happened, the World Cup `90 started in Italy, where Italians had been eliminated by Argentina. Due to this fact, Maradona should have never faced his seventh season in the club, during 1990/91. There was too much rage against him, and he could not finish it. He played his last game on March 24th, 1991 against Sampdoria, in Genova. A doping affair that is still suspicious made him flee from Italy. Maradona did not say good-bye to the people of Napoles as they both deserved.Nevertheless, Diego’s history in Napoli is so great, that still continues nowadays. And will continue forever.

Maradona`s Story 4

"He was pretended by Barcelona / River Plate wanted him too / Maradona belongs to Boca / because a chicken he is not!" But dollars (or pesetas in this case) were stronger, and to keep him in the team was a kind of utopia. Of course, he would stay forever in their hearts, for this is worthless.But Diego left at last, his destiny being Spain. Firstly, to play in World Cup ‘82 and secondly, to stay in one of the wealthiest football clubs of the world: Barcelona Football Club. It was not simple for him. They did not make it simple indeed.Apart from Catalan being the official language of that beautiful Spanish region called Catlunya, outside the stadium… everyone spoke the same dialect. Inside the field, Diego found out that for the great majority of his team partners, running was more important than playing. More rage, less talent. And although the rest could not learn what he knew since he was born, he sensed that he should incorporate what everyone considered a virtue- "Put everything inside the field", according to the ironic definition of César Luis Menotti- in order to transmit some of his intact magic.It was of no help the presence of his first manager, the German Udo Lattek. This man was more worried about the players to carry huge medicine balls than playing with the real ones -football ones- in the matches. Nevertheless, he succeeded. He again lighted up the spark of a fantastic and positive discussion: many people say that what Maradona made with a ball -the real football- in Barcelona, could never be repeated. For example, that marvelous goal against the Real Madrid, forever lasting: with a dribble he managed to crack the opposing defense, that was pressing in the midfield; he ran and ran with the ball stuck to his left foot, till he faced the goalkeeper, who looked for him far from the goal line; with another dribble he did not let the goalkeeper touch them, nor him nor the ball; he therefore headed towards the empty goal, his foot and the ball being friends forever. When he was about to reach the goal line, and the posts made shadows over him, he looked through one of the eyes he had on his neck, just when Juan José, a long haired, heavily bearded defender of the Real Madrid was decided to terminate with all the parts involved in that relationship. Then, the magic: he made a sudden stop, took his foot… and his ball out of reach for the rival and let him pass by, like a torero with a bull. Poor Juan José he crashed against the post; and great Diego finally pushed the ball towards the goal.No man on earth could stop such a football player, but a terrible illness would. Hepatitis caught him by surprise, just when he had been showing off his magic for about three months.He played for the first time on September 4th, 1982, being defeated by Valencia, at Mestalla Stadium, by 2-1. He had played 13 games and had conquered 6 goals when he had to keep absolute rest. He returned to the fields three months later, on March 12th, against the Betis. The team manager had changed, as well as his possibilities to have dreams: Menotti and the League were waiting with open arms. They could not go for all, but they got something as a reward: the mostly desired King’s Cup.It was just a matter of starting all over again, for there was no one who could break such a strong determination.Yes, there was one. And it had name and surname: Andoni Goikoetxea, the executioner of the best left foot in football history. Many people thought that his career had come to an end on that September 24th of 1983, while some thought that it was going to take a long time to see him again inside a football field. Both were wrong, as his prompt return in just 106 days can be considered as the last miracle that took place in Spain.One thing was for sure: to keep a good relationship with president Joseph Luis Núñez, who pretended more starring than he should, much more than divine help was needed. And that had no possible solution. At the end of season, in the middle of a royal battle that took place during the final match of the King’s Cup, against archrival Athletic Bilbao, on May 5th of 1984 in Madrid, everything reached to an end.

Maradona`s Story 3

To avoid mistakes, let’s make something clear from the beginning: Boca is Maradona, Maradona is Boca. That story that came out from its main character, about his sympathy to Independiente is supported by his own words: his fascination for the skills of Bochini and Bertoni. But the truth is that in his humble house at Azamor and Mario Bravo, in Villa Fiorito, in his family’s heart and in his own, there was only one flag that flapped coloured blue and gold. He was raised up loving Boca, he felt, since he was young that something special was growing between him and the people that supported Boca.They were the first ones who made an ovation to him at a field, crying out "Let him stay! / Let him stay!" as an anthem during the recess between the two halves of a match in First Division between Argentinos and… Boca. He was only 12 years old. Years later (not many, though), with Argentinos t-shirt on, he "hit" a symbol of Boca, Hugo Orlando Gatti, scoring four goals. In a single match, four moments that caused other unanimous ovations: that of Argentinos supporters, of course… but also, that of the people of Boca.That’s why he insisted so much until he finally got to wear that t-shirt. He was so involved that he himself helped deal the pass. It was as follows: River Plate was very interested in counting on Maradona for its team, giving away whatever was needed. He only had to mention that Boca was just as enthusiast about him (…when this was not true… Boca was not interested, and had no money at all) to change the upcoming story.His dream definitely came true, in an economic deal, which could easily be considered as a legend of world economics. Millions of dollars, bank guarantees, chilling fees.But nothing of that was enough to pay for what he did, ever since his debut against Talleres de Córdoba, the 22nd February, 1981. Two penalty goals inside Boca’s crowded Stadium (La Bombonera) that helped him become more self-assured regarding his body, cause he knew he couldn’t give everything he could straight away.At the beginning of the match he let Miguel Angel Brindisi, his ideal partner, be the center of attention. All the same, so that no one could doubt it, he showed his distinction in the different games. It is the case of a match against River, in Boca’s Stadium during a rainy night the 10th of April. When the tournament was coming to an end, the best Maradona showed up. He defeated Ferro, a team that directed by Carlos Timoteo Griguol, wisely managed to shift between football, basketball and chess, being a big rival. But Boca, with Silvio Marzolini as a guide struggled, fought. He then faced the National Tournament, with lots of trips and friendly matches. All the teams were so tired that the way was free for the team of Kempes in River Plate.Diego left Boca the summer of 1982, almost a year had past since he had arrived. But he didn’t leave forever.The 14th year pregnancy, which began in Europe, developed in Barcelona, Nápoles, Sevilla, finally getting close to Rosario in Argentina, ended up in the great match of his return.It took place in October (like every renaissance of Diego) of 1995. Firstly in South Korea, a country that loves Maradona in a unique way. He then played in Boca, his place. "I want people to say again ‘Let’s go to the field to see Diego play’", he wished in a private confession. And so it was. He stepped his most beloved field, La Bombonera, the 7th October 1995. Boca won 1-0, but that is only a detail. They were all details. In each of the 30 matches he played, he left behind something more than his seven goals, his victories, his draws, his failures during those two years, directed consecutively by Silvio Marzolini, Carlos Bilardo y Héctor Veira. It is the feeling of each of his companions and rivals that they were sharing the field with a living, gifted monument.They pestered him with weird anti-doping check-ups until his soul in pain begged for a break. Precisely against River, in the Monumental, precisely five days before his 37th birthday. That 25th October will remain in history. What no one will risk to write is what follows: it was Diego Armando Maradona’s last official match. It is just a fact, not the absolute truth.

Maradona`s Story 2

SUMMARY

Due to the fact that he was born in Villa Fiorito, Diego Armando Maradona could have been player of Independiente. Better say, he should have been. But it wasn’t that way. And it’s fine. Because Argentinos Juniors is more related to his own history, to the idea of fighting from the very bottom, of enhancing the humble, and that was proved throughout the years.

As he would do in other teams, in Argentinos he also started trying to save the team and ended up seeking the title. And the old field of Boyacá and García turned out to be the center of attention of the whole football world: as if going on a procession to worship a God, the supporters of every club headed the field to go see play number ten. Forever. Since his debut, the 20th October, 1976, till the first days of 1981, when he left.

Like the supporters of every team, the ones of Argentinos assured that they had the best Maradona. The purest, the intact diamond, not polluted. It’s possible. In any case people talk about the best Maradona and the discussion increases each day.

In Argentinos, there are reference points set by Maradona, including a tunnel, when he wasn’t even 16. His first two goals, immediately, a couple of days after his presentation. The anger shown in his three goals after the frustration of Argentina ’78. Scorer, scorer, scorer, scorer, scorer, five times scorer. In nine championships played using that same t-shirt. Many tours with him, as the main attraction. And a second place, of course, the only time he would celebrate after coming second.

And the reference, inescapable, forever. Argentinos Juniors was, is and will always be the club were Diego Armando Maradona began.

THE SELECTION

If all the people who say they were present in Diego Armando Maradona’s debut in First Division, had really been in Boyacá and García Stadium, stadiums like Maracaná, Santiago Bernabeu and Giusseppe Meazza together wouldn’t have been large enough to welcome them all. Nevertheless, they were many the lucky ones who could be there that Wednesday 20th October, 1976 at Argentinos Juniors’ Stadium to see the local team play against what was considered as the sensation of the National Championship, Talleres de Córdoba. The event collected 1.273.100 pesos of those times. Just as a reference of how much that was, it is worth mentioning that a match between central Norte, from Salta, and Newell’s Old Boys, collected that same day 2.140.000.

Most of those who went to La Paternal were looking forward to enjoying great football of the Cordobeses. The found a 15 year old boy (10 days were left for his 16th birthday) showing Nº 16 on his back, who replaced Nº 10 Giacobetti in the second half. In the first ball he played, he made a tunnel to the first rival who came through, Juan Domingo Patricio Cabrera. And that’s what the coach, Juan Carlos Montes had asked Diego to do: "Go, Diego, play like you know". And what he did, Maradona knew how to do it.

Héctor Vega Onesime, the director of the well known sports magazine, El Gráfico, made a report of the match. He wrote in the summary of what he believed had been an intense match: " Hadn’t it been for the conditions and dimensions of the field, the show could have been better. Both teams were more willing to create than to destroy. Even when Talleres, during the second half squeezed against the posts to keep the result 1-0, Argentinos was condemned by its weak attack capacity. Not even the fact that the surprising, skillful and smart ex-"cebollita" Maradona played (who was not yet 16) was enough to solve the problem. The Cordobeses had no other choice than to win. And they won. We hope that, in a future, their football will emerge. Field: very bad. Judge: Maino (good)". The conclusion was Maradona’s qualification, who only played for 45 minutes: 7 points.

He had played really well. He left fear behind immediately, after he touched the ball for the first time, including a tunnel. But the feelings of that debut, were never erased from his soul. He would confess sometime: "It was the first time I felt I was touching the sky with my hands."

The coach had told him he was going to be reserve during the last weekly training, at Comunicaciones Club, Tuesday 19th. He went mad of happiness and run to let don Diego, doña Tota, her sisters, brothers, and friends, know the big news. All Villa Fiorito knew. In those days, Argentinos had already rented his first house, on 2746 street in Villa del Parque, but they were still moving. So the people who he loved and who truly loved him were there, in Fiorito. It was a strange festival of happiness and crying. It was the best prize for such an effort. No talking of money, yet. He could barely get hold of his only special pair of trousers, deep blue corduroy trousers, useful for winter or summer and get ready to play. And he never stopped playing. The story was only beginning.

ARGENTINOS / NATIONAL TEAM

After his debut in First Division, Diego Armando Maradona never left the main team. What’s more, it was usual to see him playing, not as reserve, wearing the t-shirt with Nº 10 on his back. But he didn’t only train in Argentinos, he also had a place in the Junior National Team. It was during one of those trainings, in the beginning of 1977, that César Luis Menotti talked to him, after a training match between the Junior an Senior Teams.

Diego confessed, much later, that his legs trembled. That listening to "El Flaco" as they called Menotti, was like listening to God. The truth is that what the coach told him sounded like a miracle to him. He was calling him to train with the Senior Team in order to play a friendly match against Hungary. So many things were happening to him in less that four months. Perhaps, they were too many. The truth is that when he wore the light blue and white t-shirt with which he always dreamt to play, he had only played twelve matches in First Division!

Argentinos was his launching stage to establish himself internationally. From the very bottom, Diego became strong. Really strong. In the first tournament after his debut (the Metropolitan Championship in 1977), he played 37 matches in a row, being a regular player. And he strengthened.

Some names of that team sets our memory free. Munutti was the goalkeeper. The defenders, Minutti, Carrizo, Agresta del Cerro, Gette, Núñez, Fusani. Cicogna, Roma, Milani, Romano, Rojas. The mid-field players, Jorge López, Fren, Fusani, Giacobetti, Giordano, Méndez, Di Donato, González. The forwards Carlos Alvarez, Hallar, Ovelar, Ruiz, Bravi, and of course, Maradona.

He made Carlos "Bartolo" Alvarez become a scorer with 20 goals, and he also celebrated 13 times. Against Platense, against Lanús, against Atlanta (2), against All Boys (2), against Huracán (2), against Quilmes, against Chacarita, against Estudiantes and against… Boca (2). It wasn’t bad to start with. Not at all.

Maradona`s Story 1(From Maradona`s Official Site)

THE TRYOUT Once the family convinced don Diego to let Pelusa attend the tryout, he still had to wait. Only a couple of days, but to him, it was a century away. The day arrived at last. A group of guys from Villa Fiorito took the bus 28 (the green, as they would refer to it) to Pompeya. From there, they got on the 44 till they found themselves at Argentino’s training center, called Las Malvinas. Amongst them all, there were three boys, Diego, Goyo and Montañita, who would never stay apart. But when they got there, they were all turned off: it was raining so much that they couldn’t even step on the field…the tryout was going to be put off! Was it?It is worth to hold on for a second. It hadn’t been easy for Diego to get there: don Diego’s green light wasn’t going to last for ever, it was hard to get the money for the bus’ tickets, the trainers didn’t have so much time to travel with a bunch of boys from Fiorito. Had Diego thought all that?The trainer’s voice (Francis Cornejo), the discoverer of talents, the guide of the growing group, got him out of his sadness: "Let’s go! Everyone to don Yayo’s van.. We’ll go to another field!". The van was a Rastrojero, somewhat dilapidated and don Yayo was Emilio Trotta, Cornejo’s assistant. The other field turned out to be Saavedra’s Park. Two teams were made up there. Diego and Goyo went in, together, in the second round. If they had always been rivals, they couldn’t tell. What was notorious from the way they played was the friendship they both held. They showed off in different fantastic moves and plenty of goals. So many, that not even Diego remembers how many they had scored. And although it is unbelievable after having performed in such a way, don Francis’ first reaction was not the best one. The man thought they were pulling his leg, that kid, short and skinny with curly hair couldn’t possibly be nine years old. He was convinced he was…a dwarf! Cornejo went near Diego and asked him if he was sure he had been born in 1960. Diego, shrinking himself even more, somehow scared, nodded. The man asked him for the ID and he wanted to die… he didn’t have it on him!Something, maybe the intuition, made don Francis realize that it wasn’t worth worrying. That the only important thing was to make sure that boy kept on playing. He never imagined that, in a short time, he had to be the one who lied about his phenomenon’s age. And not precisely in the same way. THE MONSTER At last, Francis had Diego’s ID. But he had gained something more important, don Deigo’s and doña Tota’s trust regarding their son. So the man took Maradona everywhere, even to the matches with older guys. It seems incredible, but that’s how the story goes. In the same way that the Brazilians used older football players in the junior tournaments, Argentinos called a younger one to play against older teams.Already, at Sacachispas’ field, against Racing, the match of the 14 year old boys was hard, nil-nil and nothing happened. Francis made signs to the dark boy who was part of the reserve and sent him into the field. He was eleven and scored two super-goals. The rival coach, who knew Francis pretty well, got close to him astonished: "How is it that you keep such a phenomenon in reserve?" he said. Francis just smiled, tapped him on the back, and left.Another time, in a match against Boca, he did the same thing. But as everyone already knew the name of Maradona, he changed it. Instead, he wrote on the board Montanya. The thing was that the situation of the match was even worse: they were loosing three-nil. So Cornejo sent…Montanya into the field. He scored a goal immediately, and another, they managed to draw the match. And during the last hurray his mates screwed it up crying out: "Great, Diego!". The rival coach went crazy, and run towards Cornejo shouting at him: "You made Diego play, you sun of a…!"Maradona was already a known surname, even tough the first time it appeared in a newspaper, an error slipped up. In the edition of the 28th September, 1971, Clarín referred to a guy with demeanor. A sort of crack whose name was…Caradona. It wasn’t that the way he appeared as in the list of the matches Los Cebollitas took part in. They had quite a stable team: Ojeda, Trotta, Chaile, Chammah, Montaña: Lucero, Dalla Buona, Maradona: Duré, Carrizo and Delgado. They remained unbeaten for 136 matches, all recorded in a notebook that Claudia jealously keeps. In the last period they went on a tour to many places. They even went to Uruguay and Perú, finishing at Navarro, in the province of Buenos Aires. The story was already written and also forecasted what was coming next, sooner or later.SCORING AGAINST THE BRITISHMaradona’s history is cyclic. Hence, fantastic. It is possible to come across clues that explain everything he went through. At least, a good part of it. In his unforgettable Cebollita Phase, Diego scored two goals that could be well considered the pattern of the ones he would score in a unique match against the British, some time later, during Mexico’s World Cup in 1986.Although it might seem untrue, he had already done something similar to that feat that is considered the best goal in the history of World Cups. It was due in 1973, in a final match against River. Diego capered seven players and scored.It is curious that he also scored one alike The Hand of God. It was in Saavedra’s Park. The rivals saw him, the referee didn’t and the situation turned into chaos. It was finally considered a goal. LET HIM STAYLos Cebollitas became famous as their victories increased and there magic glowed. So did Maradona. He was even invited by Pipo Mancera, the TV host of the most watched show of those times, early 60’s. Diego climbed to the junior league of Argentinos Juniors and his debut in the ninth division had as a prize, the first Title, the first Olympic Lap.His name was not only attractive to the press, but also to larger clubs. Through its president, William Kent, River made his interest public. The director faced don Diego and asked him to decide on a price for his son’s pass, because he wanted to buy his talent. The answer of the beloved Chitoro is part of the big history of Maradona: "No, no, thanks, Dieguito is very happy playing at Argentinos".Dieguito was happy, for instance playing with the rounded Pintier balls, during the recess between the two halves of the matches of First Division. It had been Cornejo’s idea: he had given a ball to Diego and he started playing with it, and people paid attention to nothing but him. When the teams came back to start off the second half of the match the ovation faded out: "Let him stay! / Let him stay!". It was the first ovation Maradona had in his life, before the classic " Maradóóó, Maradóóó!"By those times, Jorge Cyterszpiler, was close to the group. Ruso’s brother, that’s how they used to call him, had been a great promise to Argentinos Juniors. But an illness made both, the illusion and his life, come to an end. Cyterszpiler didn’t go back to a club, until he was told of Maradona. He then came back. And never split from that group, becoming the older brother of everyone there.Many times Diego ate and slept over his house. He shared with him dreams that each day were closer to become true. Like the time that he almost made his debut in the first division. It was on the 14th August, 1975. A football players’ strike left the Fist Division without professionals. Argentinos had to play against River at Vélez’s Stadium. Francis, who didn’t like to be pushed against the big ones, asked the coach, Francisco Campana, to include Diego in the team, as they were all young players… That couldn’t be possible. He only wished it had been. But he didn’t have to wait much though, just a year.

Batistuta`s Story 7

Batistuta Today
We found Batistuta in the Franchi Stadium locker- rooms, place that has become Bati's home away from home. The training session just finished. But today we won't be talking about tactical moves or any other soccer moves. Today Bati in his undisputed kingdom will talk about those emotional moments he has lived and those he's living.
Batistuta and soccer...
Have your rapport toward the sport changed?"No, the years have not changed what I feel toward the sport. But the soccer has changed a lot throughout the years. I continue to play and I have fun while doing it, and what's most important I'm helping my team to keep on going. There's also new objectives. At first the matches ended with the referee's whistle, not any more. You have to keep getting better, you have to work very hard. It's very difficult to please everyone, it's impossible. You can not please everyone of the 40,000 fans in the stadium. But we have to do our best, we are professionals, we get paid, so we have to do whatever is needed".
Batistuta, Florence & the Fiorentines....
Do the ideas you had when you first arrived, were they proven to be right?"When I first arrived in Italy I thought that if I wanted to have a nice life, If I wanted to have a good rapport with the people of Florence, I had to try to blend in, to be part of the city, of it's people. I wanted so much to see, to know, to learn. I wanted to live and enjoy this experience to the fullest. I'm fine here in "Firenze", I'm not the kind of person who likes to pass judgments. Throughout the years the Fiorentine people have changed their opinions of me. This is something that has come gradually, you can not point exactly when this started. All this depends on how your career is evolving. It's always easy to make friends when things go your way, when you have scored three goals a match or you are the top scorer, a little less when things are not going the right way. Because of all this is difficult for me to pass any kind of judgment. I can only say that I live my life respecting those around me and doing my work the best I'm capable of. Until now my rapport with the city of Florence and it's people has been more than positive and I hope it will always be so. Many times I've considered the idea of leaving, but I've decided to stay because of "Firenze" and it's people. I live a good life here, I like the people, I like the city, you live a peaceful life, all this contributed to my decision to stay here for the rest of my soccer career".
Batistuta, what about your family....How do you reconcile your role as a father with that of the player?"This is a job as any other. But I can say that even when we have a lot of matches we are lucky to have more time to spend with our families than most. The thing that takes a lot of time is traveling, but in normal everyday life we train in the morning or at noon then we have the rest of the day to spend with our families. If you think of all the other people working eight, ten hours, I'm very fortunate even if I have to work Sundays".
If one of your sons thinks about following your footsteps, will you encourage him?"No, I think I'll do the opposite. The boys have to understand that to reach the top in this career is very, very difficult. Even more so now. All of them look up at Batistuta, Vieri, Del Piero, Inzaghi, without realizing all that has been done to be at the top. When I started my career as a soccer player I was not the only one, like me there were thousands of young boys with my same dreams and aspirations. Of all those only a few make it. I don't have a formula for this, I can not say it was luck, persistence, courage or a combination of all. I can only say that becoming a professional soccer player is not easy, it entails a commitment that not all are ready to met at the age of seventeen. But if any of my sons is really determined to follow this path, I can say that they have in them that which is needed to reach the top. But I'll never push them in this direction".
How do you spend your free time? Is flying your new passion?"I love to go fishing and hunting, those are my favorite hobbies. I enjoy flying but I see it more like something that will help me in the future, it will help cut short distances in Argentina. I also enjoy go-karts and playing tennis. This last one I keep on trying because it seems I'm not able to play the way I want".
Name one of your best and worst moments."Right now I can not tell you which has been the worst moment, I've lived many difficult moments but I've been able to face them and learn from them. Beautiful moments in my career, the two World Cups, those victories we have achieved....I hope to win something big, I never give up. I don't know if this is good or bad, that's the way I am".
We can say then, that your future lies in Argentina?"It's probable, but this does not mean that I'll be cutting myself completely from "Firenze". We are living in a time were moving from one part of the world to the other is easily done. "Italia", "Firenze" are a big part of my life, I'll be back here at least two or three times a year".
What are you taking from Florence to your house in Reconquista?"Everything surely....a "Viola" shirt is already part of my shirt-collection there in my house in Argentina".
Your rapport with the coaches, with whom have you been closer and with whom just strictly professional?"My rapport with the different coaches along my career has been strictly professional. I try to maintain this at this level. At first because I didn't want anyone to think I was looking for special treatment. Now because this philosophy has turned out well during all these years, so why change it".
You always have been a very reserved person, always trying to protect your privacy,is it due to your celebrity or your character?"I was this way even when I was a young boy. The years have not changed me in that aspect. Every person should have the right to keep their secrets, I don't see why people should know of my private life only because I'm a soccer player".
A public figure and a normal everyday man, difficult to reconcile...."I've never been after public acclaim. What I've achieved I've done with my work, by scoring goals. It was never my wish to become famous. I can't stand the invasion of privacy, above all, when it has to do with my loved ones. It's a delicate situation, one I try to resolve the best way I know how. I know I'm not always successful".
A message for the fans?"I've sent lots of messages, but what I will ask is for them to be close to us the way they've always been".
What of Bati, will you be there for them?"This I have done for eight years, I've respected the Fiorentine fans and I think I've gained their respect as well, that's why we've been able to live peacefully together".
Batistuta leaves.....No, he has not spoken of love but of respect. Respect that is synonym of courage and loyalty. All this is Batigol, a modern man fashioned the old way.
Yes, probably he will return to his beloved Argentina but "Firenze" and it's people will remain forever in his heart.

Batistuta`s Story 6

His Fans
Batistuta's rapport with the fans is unique, we may say it's indescribable. For the city of "Firenze", Fiorentina is everything, so the one who helps them win, the one who fights for them, the one that brings the "Viola" colors high in the eyes of the world becomes a god. Batistuta has done all this and more, so he has become "Firenze's" hero. It's the only living soccer champion ever to be gifted with a statue by the fans. A life size statue done in his image. A statue immortalizing his world known triumphant image holding the side line flag. This was Bati's way of celebrating his goals in l995. At the statues pedestal you can read:
"To Gabriel Batistuta, indomitable warrior, tenacious in his quest and loyal of heart"
Bati told us that when he arrived at "Firenze" the thing that impressed him the most was the love the people have toward Giancarlo Antognoni, who was for years Fiorentina's most important player. Antognoni is today Fiorentina's general director. Bati's dream was that some day he'll be able to enter the fans heart like Antognoni has. He has succeded, little by little, goal by goal, by declining offers from bigger clubs, sacrificing himself by staying with Fiorentina when they were relegated to Serie B, bringing back Fiorentina to Serie A the next season. He was the key player for Fiorentina in bringing to Florence their first big title in years. For seven years, Fiorentina is Batistuta and Batistuta is Fiorentina. It's unthinkable for the "Viola" fans a Fiorentina without Batistuta. When some years back there were talks that Bati would be leaving "Firenze", that there would be a transfer possibility, the fans grew even closer to the player. In l997 when Batistuta's transfer to Inter for 35 million dollars was almost a certainity, Edmundo was brought an presented to the "Viola" followers at the Franchi Stadium. The people at the stadium sang uninterruptedly:
"Bati, Bati, Bati, Batigol"
With the victory of "Coppa Italia" in l996, Bati, already revered by the "tifosi", became the city hero. He became a symbol for an entire city that at long last after many years was able to win something important again. So it was that in May 18 at 3:00 a.m. inside the Franchi Stadium the "tifosi" instead of sorrounding and cheering around their most important trophy in years, they were all cheering and dancing around Batistuta, their leader, their champion. This admiration, this love grew 'by leaps and bounds' when some month later he won almost by himself the "Supercoppa de Lega", were he astonished the world when after scoring his third goal against Milan he shouted in front of the T.V. cameras, "Te amo Irina", "I love you Irina'. The love of the people of Florence is such that he was nominated to receive the award of Florence Honorary Citizen.
His face, his name, his images celebrating his goals you may find them in key chains, shirts, t-shirts, scarfs, mugs, glasses, hats and so on. A perfume and a line of body products sell world wide carries his name.
The day Bati scored his 100 goals in serie A, l00 soccer balls were thrown into the pitch while the "tifosi" showed a giant sign which expresses the city, the "tifosi's" thoughts:
"CENTO VOLTE GRAZIE, BATI 'A HUNDRED THANKS, BATI'
Because to be great you don't need to win "Il Pallone D'Oro"

Batistuta`s Story 5

His Family
You can't speak of Batistuta, 'The Legend' without mentioning his family. It will be like trying to build a mosaic without it's most important part. Because for Gabriel, family always comes first.
Our story begins in l970, Gabriel was a little Argentine boy living a very normal life. A life very similar to that of other boys, dividing his time between dreams of adventures and school. From his granfathers, Melchior and Nestor, he learned to love fishing and hunting. They took him fishing to the Parana River. They taught him to love and appreciate nature. The grandmothers loved and snuggled him, and many were the times that they had to run with him to the hospital for them to take care of some cuts and scrapes due to some of Gabriel's mischief.
Time passes and Gabriel grew, along side his sisters, Elisa, Alejandra and Gabriela. With them always two very important figures, father Osmar, an infatigable worker, Gloria, the mother, the one that help to create a love tie between a stern father and a son wanting to prove himself. But Osmar carries a secret within himself that Gabriel discovered throughout the years. Behind all that work, behind all the silence there is a man to whom family is sacred. Osmar has taught Gabriel what really is important in life, he has given his son the tools to face life. This is Gabriel's first family, the one that saw him grow, the one that saw him trying to find his place in life. Yes, this is the story of a young boy who grew along the banks of the Parana River...from here in a few years a champion will emerge. But before he became known, he was looking for that special woman. One that will love the Argentine young man more than a known champion. Someone willing to be part of his world.
So it happen that Gabriel was invited to a birthday party. A young girl was celebrating her fifteenth birthday. This is a very important occasion for any Argentine girl. When Gabriel saw Irina in her pink dress, her sweet ways, he was struck. He forgot his date and from that moment on his thoughts were all for Irina. Gabriel was seventeen years old. From that young age he knew that Irina was the woman for him. Their first kiss happened eight month from that night. The young couple felt that they were born to be together. They knew they would have to face may difficulties and hard moments, but they will face them together.
Gabriel was to sign his first contract as a professional soccer player, but for this he had to move to another city. Irina remains in Reconquista, this was a very hard period for the both of them. They married the 28 of December, l990, in Saint Roque Church, and is from here that Batistuta's second family start, that of Batistuta the man, Batistuta the husband and later on Batistuta the father.
In the year l991 Gabriel and Irina arrived at "Firenze", here their three sons were born: Thiago, Lucas and Joaquin. It's here were they grew as a couple, as a family. Gabriel becomes "Batigol", Irina meanwhile gets acquainted with the people and the city.
Throughout the years they have become a very important part of the city. Their children go to school here, their friends are Fiorentines. But we know that deep in Gabriel's heart theres the memories of those dawns, sunsets facing the Parana River, the familiar scents back home. Because like father Osmar, Gabriel also think that family come first, that family should be together. Thats why when he is in Argentina he doesn't want to waste a minute apart from his loved ones. This is the time he uses for getting closer to those he's been apart because of his work. "Firenze" is were he works, a place very dear to him. But Reconquista is home, is the place were he learned to face the world.
At the end of his career he'll go back to his beloved land. True, time passes and these plans can change. But even if thats the case his heart, that nostalgic, passionate Argentinian heart will remain forever linked to his homeland. And his two families, the one who so him grow and the one he started became just one. Following the dream and example of that stern, silent man to whom family is all. So ingrained are these feelings in Gabriel that even now that he has become a millionaire soccer champion, he has remained a down to earth guy.

Batistuta`s Story 4

The National Team
Gabriel Batistuta's debut in the National Team was on March 27, l991. A friendly match that took place in "Curitiba" against Brazil. This was the National Team of the likes of: Ruggeri, Goicoechea, Caniggia.... and in the bench, Alfio Basile. Batistuta was in the starting line-up but couldn't score. The goal was scored by Caniggia.
The Argentina of the first years of the nineties was an excellent one. True, it was not like the one of Kempes and Passarella that won the 77 World Cup, or the one of Maradona that won the Cup in 86, but this team won thirty three international matches without a defeat. It was the team of the talented ones, most of them play in Italy or were soon to arrive there.
The first victory, you'll never forget. Gabriel won the "Copa America of 91. Winning also the top scorer title with six goals in six matches. This was what launched his international career. Many European clubs wanted him, at the end it was Fiorentina the one that got him. But lets go back to the 'white and blue' shirt.
Argentina arrived in the World Cup 94. Balbo, one of Bati's best friend was also part of the squad. He was Caniggia's roommate. The ambitions of the Argentinians seemed legitimate. Batistuta wanted to prove himself once again, now that Fiorentina was relegated to Serie B. He came with all the "batteries charged'. This also marked the come-back of Maradona. Argentina's start in USA 94 was a good one. They won 4-0 against Greece. Three goals scored by Bati and one by Maradona. The second match against Nigeria was won by Argentina 2-0, two Caniggia goals.
What happened to Maradona ended Argentina's run. "Il pibe de oro" was the charismatic figure of the squad. A player without parallel, at least on the pitch. His positive result to the doping test was like a blow to the squad. The atmosphere of the group changed. At the begining they talked about efedrina, later on they speculated about some kind of machination. We'll never know for sure what really happened. The thing is that with Diego out, Argentina lost it's spark, it's luster, it's strength. Romania won over Argentina 3-2, left them out of USA 94.
Everything was changing, and with those changes came a new coach, Daniel Passarella. This way the destinies of "el caudillo" and Batistuta cross path again. Passarella began his 'era' with an 'iron-hand', it seemed he was ready to tear the world. It was not to be, the success of his team was less than expected.
They were out of "Copa America" in the quarter finals. Brazil won against Argentina in penalty kicks, Edmundo's goal the decisive one. The qualifiers for France 98 were an agony for Bati. He was not part of the National Team for almost a year. It seemed that Passarella was not considering Bati as part of the team, eventhough Bati scored every time he was called. It's precisely in this period of time that Bati surpassed Maradona in goals scored for the National Team, becoming Argentina's National top scorer.
Once again the Argentinians were not lucky at World Cup 98. The team didn't convince, eventhough Batistuta was unstoppable scoring five goals. They lost against Holland in a match were Batistuta was substituted by Passarella for Crespo. The substitution proved to be non positive for Argentina. Crepo's perfomance was dissapointing. All this contributed to end Passarellas's "era'.
Batistuta is one of the best strikers in the 'white and blue' National Team were he expects to keep on giving his best.

Batistuta`s Story 3

Professionalism
Like every player, Batistuta's career beginings were not easy. He was a regular on temporary basis with Newell's in l988. At this time he signed his first contract for $20,000 a year. Later he was lent to Deportivo Italiano of Buenos Aires, so he would be part of the team going to Viareggio in l989. Bati's team was eliminated by Torino the day of his 20th birthday.
But "el camion" (the truck), a name given for his strength and power, was able to impress with his abilities of scoring goals. In June of the same year his pass was bought by Settimio Aloisio. Then half of it given to River Plate coached at the time by Reinaldo Merlo. Changing teams means starting over, so Gabriel started once again from zero. He played seventeen matches scoring four goals. With the parting of Merlo, Passarella arrived, a character with whom rapport proved to be very, very difficult.
Bati was relegated and non of his sacrifices during the following months changed the way things were going. Bati didn't play a single match during this period of time. Sadness gave way to anger and in June Batistuta left River to join Boca. His early days with Boca were hard, all that time wthout playing left it's mark. The pressure of the fans toward the team didn't help.
Then in January, l99l arrived to Boca, Oscar Tabarez, the team was reconstructed, the new coach knew how to bring out the best of each player, he brought confidence to the group. He was able to discern the capabilities of the men at his command. He turned Boca in a winning team. Boca's winnings took them to the "Copa Libertadores" final, and, losing the Argentine Championship right at the end. Bati continue to score, his name began to be recognized. Offers from Europe started arriving: Verona, Juventus, Real Marid, Fiorentina.
It was in that same year while playing a match in "Copa America" tournament, won by Bati's Argentina, that Vittorio Cecchi Gori, vice-president of the Viola at the time noticed young Batistuta's class, talent and penchant for goals. So, he brought him to "Firenze" At first, like in River and Boca, things were not easy: a different country, different customs, different language, differences with his teammates. Also he needed a teammate that would supply good passes for him to be able to do what he was capable of doing. His strength of character, his openness and sincerity help him in smoothing whatever obstacles were thrown in his path. Bati started scoring and his goals were making a difference for his team. Meanwhile the people of "Firenze" were little by little opening their hearts to the young man with long blond hair, magical feet and agreeable character.
The 26 of February, l992 with the goal scored to Juventus (l-0), BATIGOL'S myth was born. From there on there was no stopping for Batistuta: two goals against Genoa, hat trick against Foggia, two goals at the "Olimpico". The 'myth' was gaining in strength. Bati's personal achievements were not enough and Fiorentina ended twelfth in the championship. The following year eventhough the team had players like Laudrup and Effenberg they ended relegated to Serie B. By this time Claudio Ranieri arrived to coach Fiorentina becoming one of the six Italian coaches, Lazaroni, Radice, Agroppi, Malesani and now Trapattoni, with the opportunity to train Batistuta. It is with Ranieri that Batistuta won his first Italian trophies.
Batistuta took command of the team. He decided to stay at "Firenze" eventhough they were relegated. His pride, his love for the city inspired him to bring Fiorentina back to Serie A. Once again his courage, his desire for winning were far greater than any humiliation he may have felt. Batistuta kept his promise to the city of Florence, Fiorentina was back in Serie A. Thanks to him and his understanding with Baiano, Fiorentina was able to dominate the Serie B championship. Back in serie A, Bati established a new record of goals scored, scoring in eleven consecutive weeks, breaking an old record of thirty years pertaining to a "Bologna" player by the name of Pascutti. A record that seemed unattainable, broken by Bati's class and strength.
This was also the year of "la bandierina" (the corner flag). An unforgettable way of celebrating his goals, and image of Batistuta that will remain forever in our minds. This year he won the goal scoring title with 26 goals. This was just and 'aperitive' for what was to come in the season 95-96. Fiorentina conquered the third place in Serie A, entering the UEFA Championship and the l8th of May at Bergamo, playing against Atalanta, Batistuta gifted the "tifosi Viola" with the "Copa Italia" trophy. This is the fifth trophy in the "Viola" history. Four months later at the "S. Siro" Bati amazed the world by annihilating Baresi and all the Milan defense. With two magnificent goals Batistuta brought to "Firenze" the "Super Coppa" trophy.
Also this year he played his match number 100 in Serie A. His game 101, a win over Lazio, 2-0, with Bati scoring the two goals. This was celebrated by what is until now the greatest acknowledgement given to any player. The "tifosi" gifted Batistuta with a life size bronze statue made in his image.
Thanks to the winning of "Coppa Italia", Batistuta's Fiorentina enter the race for the "Coppa delle Coppe" trophy. In the first match against "Gloria Bistrita" a goal from no other that Batistuta, it ended 1-1. The second leg was won by the "Viola" 1-0. Later on they beat "Sparta Praga" and "Benfica", arriving to the semifinals against "Barcelona" of Spain. Thus Batistuta and Ronaldo's rivalry begins. The Brazilian was not able to score while Bati scored the goal that tied the match bringing to silence the 90,000 Barcelona fans. His celebration of this goal appeard on T.V. and newspapers all over the world. During the match Batistuta was penalized with a yellow card that kept him from playing against Barcelona at "Firenze". His abscense gave way to Barcelona entering the finals.
The season 97-98 starts with Bati scoring three goals to "Udine", making Malesani's debut in Serie A unforgettable. The following Sunday sees Bati scoring two goals at "Firenze". Batistuta starts this championship with five goals in two matches, this season will see him scoring his 100th goal in Serie A, another big step in Bati's career. His greatness not only lies in scoring goals but also in helping his teammates score as well. At the end of the championship Fiorentina conquers a spot in UEFA.
The following year came to Fiorentina a coach which is a myth in soccer history. The coach that has won the most over all, Gioavanni Trapattoni. Thanks to him Batistuta decided to remain at "Firenze". Trapattoni promise Bati a team that will be able to fight for the "scudetto", and that, he delivered. Season 98-99 sees Fiorentina at the top of Serei A for more than 1/2 of the championship with a Batistuta blasting the championship with his goals, celebrating them with the mimick of firing a machine gun. Then on February 7th while playing against Milan, Batistuta suffered the gravest injury of his career. One that kept him out of play for more than a month.
His recovery was done in record time but his absence was seriously felt by the team. Fiorentina woithout his captain lost its first place in Serie A to Lazio. At the end of the season Fiorentina ended in third place conquering a place in the Champions League. This and the winning of the "scudetto" are Batistuta and Fiorentina's objective for the season l999/2000. Now backing Batistuta we find two soccer stars, Mijatovic and Chiesa plus Balbo who'll be Bati's replacement if needed, a star in his own right. Balbo being one of Bati's best friends in and out of the pitch. So, Batistuta will begin a new adventure that could well mean his "consecration" as one of the worlds soccer stars of all times.