By Wilson Florez
Currently, much has been said about the naturalization of soccer players for the Mexican team. This has become a recurring process within El Tri. But before it was not so simple and Rubens Sambueza paid for the difficulties of the past.
The former Águilas del América soccer player had the opportunity to wear the Mexican shirt during the selection process. Brazil World Cup 2014. Miguel Herrera was the coach and had the contribution of Sambueza.
However, the process in those years was not as simple as it is now. Although Rubens Sambueza was willing to play with El Tri, His past with the youth categories of Argentina were an obstacle to naturalization.
“Unfortunately I could not attend the 2014 World Cup in Brazil because I could not be chosen. He had played in the youth teams of Argentina and the new article and regulations were not yet in place. to be able to play since he was naturalized Mexican“said Sambueza in statements released by Récord.
The curious thing about the case is that Rubens Sambueza had only played one game with the Argentina under-17 team. The midfielder born in Zapala only played 55 minutes in the World Cup in the category. Sambueza played the match for third place in that 2001 World Cup.
Different news
Rubens Sambueza explained how the process has changed today. The former América player used as an example the case of Rogelio Funes Mori. The striker born in Mendoza played until 14 matches with the youth categories of Argentina. The “Twin” also played an official match with the Albiceleste first team. Despite this context, Funes Mori was able to represent Mexico.
“Later that changed, That’s why Funes Mori was able to play in a World Cup with Mexicobut unfortunately I couldn’t. I was really looking forward to it, since Miguel Herrera He had told me that I had many potentialities to attend“he added.
Rubens Sambueza was left with the desire to represent the Mexican team. The former Argentine midfielder He played more than 400 games in Aztec soccer. Sambueza scored more than 60 goals and conceded more than 100 assists in Liga MX. Even so, the former América player could not demonstrate his quality with the tricolor shirt.
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