EMV - VÍCTOR AGUSTÍN UGARTE OVIEDO

Victor Agustín Ugarte: A Legend of Bolivian Football

Early Life and Background

• Victor Agustín Ugarte, a legendary figure in Bolivian football, was born on May 5, 1926, in Tu Piza, Potosí. He is celebrated for his dribbling skills, speed, and goal-scoring ability.

• He was the second of eight children born to Juana and Andrés. The family faced hardship after losing their father during the Chaco War in 1935.

• Ugarte's early life included living in Cha Fraguas where his father worked as an assistant. His education began at the local school "7 de Noviembre."

• After their mother sought work in Argentina and passed away there, Victor lived with his aunt Alejandra while working in a blacksmith shop from a young age.

• Despite hardships, he played football daily with friends using makeshift equipment like rags or oranges.

Passion for Football

• From age 12, Ugarte showed remarkable talent for football but had to play with alpargatas (traditional shoes), as proper footwear was too expensive.

• His childhood friend Alfredo Domínguez reminisced about how they played football constantly regardless of weather conditions.

• Unlike today's youth who are often glued to screens, Ugarte's generation spent their time outdoors playing sports.

• At 17 years old, he joined the military service in Tarija before returning home to work for the railways which helped him join a local club.

• Known for his boxing skills due to his strength from working at the blacksmith shop, he became a formidable player on the field.

Rise to Fame

• Ugarte focused solely on football until age 18 when he began considering other aspects of life outside sports.

• Encouraged by mentors to pursue opportunities in La Paz for better prospects as a professional player led him to leave home at 21.

• He joined Club Bolívar and made an immediate impact despite initial challenges; his debut match ended in defeat but showcased his potential.

• By November 1947, he scored crucial goals that contributed significantly to Bolívar’s success and marked the beginning of his illustrious career.

Legacy

• Ugarte's unique style combined physical agility with technical skill; he quickly gained recognition within Bolivian football circles.

• His performance against Atlético Alianza solidified his reputation as a key player capable of changing game outcomes dramatically.

This structured overview captures Victor Agustín Ugarte's journey from humble beginnings through significant milestones that defined him as one of Bolivia's most cherished athletes.

Victor Agustín Ugarte: A Football Legend

Early Career and Impact

• Victor Agustín Ugarte's arrival at Bolívar was seen as a crucial moment, filling the need for a star player after Mario Algorta Orozco left. His debut on November 30, 1947, marked the beginning of his significant impact in Bolivian football.

• Just five months post-debut, Ugarte played for the Bolivian national team during the American tournament in Ecuador. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, showcasing his skills alongside notable players like Gutiérrez and Orgas.

• Ugarte faced early challenges; he received advice from goalkeeper Vicente Araya to pass more effectively. This led to his substitution by the coach as he learned valuable lessons from criticism and game results.

Professionalism and Dedication

• By 1950, with Bolivian football turning professional, Ugarte became the highest-paid player. He dedicated himself fully to football, training daily while others practiced only twice a week.

• Living at Ballivián residence later in his career, Ugarte's commitment was evident as guests complained about noise from his constant practice. His dedication earned him fame but also disrupted those around him.

Skills and Recognition

• Although Edgar Vargas held the captaincy of Bolívar, it was Ugarte who executed critical plays such as penalties. His unique style of play earned him the nickname "El Maestro," which remained with him throughout his life.

• Known for spectacular goals including volleys and long-range shots, Ugarte's talent made him an essential part of Bolivia’s national team during international competitions like the South American Championship in 1949.

Historic Matches

• In March 1953, during a pivotal match against Peru at Lima's National Stadium, Ugarte scored a memorable goal that resonated deeply with fans and solidified his status as a key player for Bolivia.

• The excitement surrounding this goal was palpable; it not only thrilled Bolivians but also caused emotional reactions among Peruvian supporters present at the stadium.

Transfer Offers and Legacy

• Despite numerous offers from clubs like Sporting Cristal and Boca Juniors throughout his career—often blocked by Bolívar’s management—Ugarte remained loyal to his club due to promises made by local authorities.

• In 1953, when offered a trial with Real Madrid in Spain amidst preparations for World Cup qualifiers for Sweden '58, he proposed changing Bolivia’s jersey color from white (considered unlucky).

Captaincy and Achievements

• As captain during World Cup qualifying matches in late 1957, Ugarte led Bolivia to its first historic victory over Argentina on October 6th—a defining moment that would be remembered fondly by fans.

• Following this success, he joined San Lorenzo de Almagro in Buenos Aires where he continued to make an impact on Argentine football through impressive performances starting March 23rd against Gimnasia y Esgrima.

The Legacy of Víctor Agustín Ugarte in Bolivian Football

Tensions with Sanfilippo

• Ugarte faced conflicts with Sanfilippo, who was favored and disliked the emergence of another player, particularly one from Bolivia, threatening his leadership.

• Sanfilippo's reluctance to play led to a perception that he was not committed to the sport.

Celebrating Ugarte's Achievements

• A memorable moment occurred when Ugarte scored a goal during a match in La Paz, celebrated by commentator Mario Vargas and fans from Bolívar and Strongest.

• Despite only six months of experience at the time, Ugarte longed for his homeland and its customs while playing abroad.

Career Highlights

• Ugarte rejected an offer from Colombia that included $30,000 for naturalization, which would have allowed him to participate in the 1962 World Cup.

• His absence from the 1961 national team sparked public outcry; however, he was later called up for the victorious 1963 South American Championship team.

Key Contributions to Bolivia's Success

• Ugarte played a crucial role in securing Bolivia’s first major title through significant goals and contributions during matches.

• The team comprised notable players like Arturo López and Roberto Cansio under coach Danilo Alvim.

Historic Victory Against Brazil

• In a thrilling final against Brazil at Estadio Félix Capriles, Bolivia won 5-4 with key goals from Ugarte among others.

• The victory led to jubilant celebrations as fans carried players on their shoulders during the trophy presentation.

Personal Struggles Post-Career

• Over his career spanning 15 years, Ugarte became Bolivia's top scorer in Copa América but struggled financially after retirement despite his achievements.

• After retiring in 1968, he faced challenges as a coach and personal hardships that affected his well-being.

Final Years and Legacy

• Ugarte passed away on March 20, 1995; he experienced loneliness and nostalgia for his past glory days before dying due to health complications.

• He received posthumous honors including the Cóndor de los Andes award for his contributions to Bolivian football.

Victor Agustín Ugarte: A Legacy in Bolivian Football

The Impact of Victor Agustín Ugarte

• Victor Agustín Ugarte is celebrated as the greatest Bolivian football player, with his name honored through schools, streets, and avenues across Bolivia.

• The main stadium in Potosí is named after him; it was originally called Estadio San Clemente before being renamed to honor Ugarte's contributions to Bolivian football.

• Ugarte played a pivotal role in securing the South American championship for Bolivia in 1963, alongside notable players like Etcheverry who recently contributed to another title win.

Recognition and Future Aspirations

• The speaker expresses admiration for young talents like Cucho Vargas and emphasizes the importance of representing Bolivia on international stages.

• There is a desire to establish a football school in Bolivia to guide young players from their early steps, highlighting the need for proper training and mentorship.

Personal Reflections on Football

• Currently coaching a national team participating in a mining tournament, the speaker reflects on their commitment to football and its challenges.

• The satisfaction derived from witnessing Bolivia's success in football is profound, especially recalling Ugarte’s historic goals that led to national pride.