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Juan Arango
This Century's best
In the city of Maracay, Venezuelan soccer's most important star in recent times began to hone his skills
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Arango summarizes the power of a talented and gifted soccer player. His game echoes Venezuela –a country that rises day after day and hopes to become greater. The World Cup is the target (Photo: Eduardo Morales / Efe)
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OCTAVIO SASSO
EL UNIVERSAL
 Soccer was probably the only team sport lacking an icon in our country. Born and raised in Maracay, Juan Arango is the country's top striker in recent times. From very humble beginnings, like most Latin American soccer stars, Arango's first steps were on dirt, cobbles and stones, kicking around an improvised ball made out of carton. It was there that, with his mind set on greatness, he began to dream of becoming a soccer star and causing people around the world to shout "Goal!" at the top of their lungs. Shy by nature, he slowly began to earn his own space. As soon as he stepped onto an actual soccer field, his calm demeanor and extraordinary ball-handling skills quickly showed that he was different. Everyone who watched him play knew that he was in a league of his own; he was simply the best. His on-court presence and skills would worth a try overseas. He soon moved to Mexico, where his soccer-playing made a lasting impression. As he gained experience and consolidated his talent in the land of the Aztecs, he also wore the burgundy uniform of the Venezuelan national team like any other player. Displaying great leadership, the glory awaited him. The nation watched as a new icon of this generation evolved. Everybody dreamt of being like him and wore shirts with his name on the back. His commitment and achievements inspired the masses in general. Many of Arango's feats brought the nation to its feet and will remain unforgettable. Goal after goal, he made Venezuelans proud. His name is eternally engraved in the nation's collective memory. Moments of sheer brilliance live on: that afternoon in Barranquilla when Colombia fell victim to a powerful, sharply angled, left-footed kick that brought joy to Venezuelan fans. And if anyone deserved to reap any rewards, it was Arango. Destiny furnished him with a place in the best soccer league in the world. Spain and the island of Majorca welcomed him with open arms and the intention of making him a star. His infinite talent would now punish not only Latin American teams, but also legendary Spanish clubs. Real Madrid, Barcelona and others watched him come into their own backyards and wreak havoc, displaying the unabashed character of those born to succeed. But life would give Arango a scare that petrified the whole nation. In a game against Sevilla, he received a heavy blow, rendering him unconscious. The world feared for his wellbeing, but it was the energy and fortitude of the Venezuelan people that aided in his recovery and allowed him to go back out on the soccer field. Destiny has now presented him with a new challenge. He was appointed captain of the national team, both on and off the court. All eyes are on Arango as he is expected to tread through complicated paths to reach the final objective, the World Cup. The annals of history have left a page in blank for him to write on. The legend is just beginning, and he has been handed the necessary tools to continue to be the best. He has already accomplished what many have tried and failed to do. In any area of the country, one might hear a child say "I want to be like Juan Arango". Translated by Félix Rojas |
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