Luis Monti
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Luis Fernando Monti (born January 15, 1901 – died September 9, 1983) was an Argentine football player who has the unique distinction of playing in two World Cup final matches with two different national teams. The first was with his native Argentina in 1930, which he lost to Uruguay. The second was for Italy as one of their Oriundi in 1934. This time Monti was on the winning side in a 2-1 victory over Czechoslovakia.
Monti was a rugged and ruthless player, but had good technical skills to go with his strong tackling. He played as an attacking centre half in the old-fashioned Metodo system: a position roughly equivalent to the defensive central midfield position today. As such he would mark the opposing centre forward when his team were defending, but would be the main midfield playmaker when his team were on the attack.
Career in Argentina
Monti played his club football for Boca Juniors and was first called up to represent his country in 1924. He won the Copa America in 1927, and the Silver medal at the 1928 Summer Olympics. Argentina cruised to the World Cup final in 1930, defeating France, Mexico, Chile, and the USA, Monti scoring two goals along the way, and literally crippling opponents with his brutal tackling. So notorious did his aggression become that some controversy arose regarding his inclusion in the team contesting the final. Some sources speculate that Monti was carrying an injury, but whatever the truth, he had a quiet game as Uruguay triumphed 4-2.Career in Italy
In 1931 Monti was signed by the Italian club Juventus. However he was overweight and out of condition. A month's solitary training and Monti was back to top form helping Juve to four consecutive League Championship titles (1932-35). He was also called up within a year to play for the Italy national team. Amid some controversy, hosts Italy won their way to the 1934 World Cup final and defeated Czechoslovakia 2-1. Monti had done it at last, albeit rather unconventionally.The Battle of Highbury
The Battle of Highbury is a legendary match that took place between Italy and England on November 14, 1934 at Arsenal Stadium, Highbury, the home ground of Arsenal. Monti was playing centre half for Italy, but as early as the second minute he broke a bone in his foot after a clash with England centre forward Ted Drake. Down to 10 men, in the days before substitutes, Italy succumbed 2-3 in a tempestuous match. Monti was only to play twice more for Italy.
In total Monti won 16 caps (5 goals) for Argentina between 1924 and 1931, and 18 caps (1 goal) for Italy between 1932 and 1936. He died in 1983 aged 82.
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