Luis González
Encyclopedia
Luis Óscar "Lucho" González (born 19 January 1981 in Buenos Aires
) is an Argentine
footballer who plays for Olympique de Marseille
in Ligue 1
.
A versatile midfielder
who is able to play in different positions, but mainly in the centre, he is well known for his fierce shot, passing skills and hardworking style, being affectionately known as El Comandante (the commander
) due to his leadership skills.
An Argentine international
on 44 occasions, González represented his country in the 2006 World Cup
and two Copa América
tournaments.
, at the age of 14, making his first division debut on 29 April 1999, in a 1–2 home loss against Racing Club de Avellaneda
. Three years later, he transferred to another side in his hometown of Buenos Aires
, Club Atlético River Plate
, where he was a very important first-team member in the conquest of back-to-back Clausura
tournaments, contributing with 56 games and nine goals combined.
González's performances at River earned him a deal with Portugal
's F.C. Porto in 2005, signing a five-year contract. In his first season, he scored 10 goals in 30 games, including braces against Académica de Coimbra (5–1), F.C. Penafiel (3–1) and Vitória de Guimarães (3–1), helping the northerners
to the first of their four consecutive league titles.
At Porto, González eventually became team captain. In November 2006, he signed an improved five-year contract and, in August 2007, the team paid €
6.65 million to Global Soccer Agencies to achieve full ownership of the player, as the club activated the clause by rejecting an offer from Everton
.
Lucho remained a fan favorite at the Estádio do Dragão
for the duration of his link. On 22 March 2009, he scored against C.F. Estrela da Amadora in the first leg of the Portuguese Cup
semifinals (2–0 home win, 3–2 on aggregate), whilst during the league campaign, El Comandante netted nine times in only 23 games to help Porto to the fourth title in a row (the season ended with the double conquest).
in France
, for a fee of €18 million, with the possibility of an increase to €24 million depending on the player's performance. He scored his first official goal for his new club on 19 September, opening the scoring in a 4–2 home win against Montpellier HSC
, and also found the net on 26 November, in the UEFA Champions League
group stage draw against A.C. Milan
at the San Siro
(1–1). On 5 December, again in Ligue 1
, he scored the 2–1 against OGC Nice
in the 77th minute, in an eventual 3–1 triumph against the ten-men hosts.
On 8 December 2009, González scored against Real Madrid
, but also missed a penalty kick
later in the game, in an eventual 1–3 home loss in the Champions League, with the subsequent "relegation" to the UEFA Europa League, with the team ending its run in the competition the round of 16.
After the winter break, González scored in the 5–1 home thrashing of Valenciennes FC
, opening the score in the 33rd minute. Previously, in late January 2010, he also helped Marseille reach
the Coupe de la Ligue
final
, finding the net against Lille OSC
in the quarter-finals (2–1). On 28 February 2010, he scored once in a 3–0 away win against Paris Saint-Germain FC, which left Marseille in fourth place. He finished his first season
with 32 games and five goals, as L'OM eventually won the league/league cup double.
González scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season
on 29 August 2010, in a 1-1 away draw against FC Girondins de Bordeaux
. A month later, he netted the winning goal against FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
, in a 2–1 home win. On 3 November, he grabbed a brace in a 7–0 away routing of MŠK Žilina
, in the season's Champions League, as Marseille was eventually ousted in the last-16 by eventual finalists Manchester United
.
On 12 February 2011, Lucho provided an assist
for André-Pierre Gignac
, helping his team defeat Sochaux 2–1 away from home. In Marseille's next game, he opened the score in a 2–1 win over AS Saint-Étienne
.
On 11 March 2011, González scored the second goal in a 2–0 win against Stade Rennais FC, keeping the pressure on Lille in the title race. He provided the assist for Benoit Cheyrou
's goal against RC Lens
, in a 1–0 win, and also started in the French League Cup final
, won against Montpellier by the same result.
Due to his solid performances, González was linked with a transfer to Arsenal F.C.
in England
, in early May 2011. But he sought to allay these fears and show his commitment to the club by saying that "I don't know why there are so many things said about this at the moment. It annoys me a bit. At no time has it left my mouth that I wanted to leave or that I didn't feel good here. I have a contract with OM until 2013 and the people at the club seem happy with me."
On 8 May 2011, Marseille faced title challengers Olympique Lyonnais
at the Stade de Gerland, and González scored in an eventual 2–3 loss, with his team eventually finishing second to champions Lille. After the season ended, chairman Jean-Claude Dassier
confirmed that the player was seeking an exit from the club, amidst interest of several teams.
Despite the constant speculation, González remained with Marseille for the 2011–12 season
. In the first matchday, he opened the scoring in the 38' minute against FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
, in an eventual 2–2 home draw. On 13 September, he netted the game's only goal in an away fixture against Olympiacos FC, for the Champions League group stage, where he also earned Man of the match
accolades.
, González made his first appearance with the Argentine national team
on 31 January 2003 against Honduras
. He went on to represent the nation in the 2004 Copa América, scoring two goals during the tournament, as Argentina lost the final on penalties to Brazil
.
González also played with the team that won the gold medal
at the 2004 Summer Olympics
. In the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
held in Germany
, he helped the national side earn a second-place finish in the competition, once again losing to Brazil in the final.
In 2006, González was selected for the squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup
, in which Argentina, managed by José Pekerman
, lost to hosts Germany
in the quarter-finals, on penalties. Subsequently, he was part of the Alfio Basile
–managed squad at 2007 Copa América, where Argentina lost again to Brazil in the final, losing by a score of 3–0 to their archrivals.
| 1 || 4 February 2003 || Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano
, San Pedro Sula
, Honduras
|| || 1–2 || 1–3 || Friendly
|-
| 2 || 8 February 2003 || Orange Bowl
, Miami, United States
|| || 0–1 || 0–1 || Friendly
|-
| 3 || 7 July 2004 || Estadio Elías Aguirre
, Chiclayo
, Peru
|| || 6–1 || 6–1 || 2004 Copa América
|-
| 4 || 20 July 2004 || Estadio Nacional
, Lima
, Peru
|| || 2–0 || 3–0 || 2004 Copa América
|-
| 5 || 9 October 2004 || Estadio Antonio V. Liberti
, Buenos Aires
, Argentina
|| || 1–0 || 4–2 || 2006 World Cup qualification
|-
| 6 || 1 April 2009 || Estadio Hernando Siles
, La Paz
, Bolivia
|| || 6–1|| 6–1 || 2010 World Cup qualification
|}
River Plate
Porto
Marseille
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent...
) is an Argentine
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
footballer who plays for Olympique de Marseille
Olympique de Marseille
Olympique de Marseille is a French association football club based in Marseille. Founded in 1899, the club plays in Ligue 1 and have spent most of its history in the top tier of French football. Marseille have been French champions nine times and have won the Coupe de France a record ten times. In...
in Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
.
A versatile midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
who is able to play in different positions, but mainly in the centre, he is well known for his fierce shot, passing skills and hardworking style, being affectionately known as El Comandante (the commander
Commander
Commander is a naval rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. Commander is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the armed forces, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Commander as a naval...
) due to his leadership skills.
An Argentine international
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
on 44 occasions, González represented his country in the 2006 World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
and two Copa América
Copa América
The Copa América —previously known as South American Championship—is an international football competition contested between the men's national teams of CONMEBOL, the sport's continental governing body...
tournaments.
Early years / Porto
González began his career at Club Atlético HuracánClub Atlético Huracán
Club Atlético Huracán is a sports club from the Parque Patricios neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The football team currently plays in the Primera B Nacional, the second level of the Argentine football league system. Huracán home stadium is the Estadio Tomás Adolfo Ducó.Huracán was...
, at the age of 14, making his first division debut on 29 April 1999, in a 1–2 home loss against Racing Club de Avellaneda
Racing Club de Avellaneda
Racing Club is an Argentine professional football club from Avellaneda, a suburb of Greater Buenos Aires. Founded in 1903, Racing has been historically considered one of the "big five" clubs of Argentine football...
. Three years later, he transferred to another side in his hometown of Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent...
, Club Atlético River Plate
Club Atlético River Plate
Club Atlético River Plate is an Argentine sports club based in the Nuñez neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently competes in Nacional B, the second tier of Argentine football....
, where he was a very important first-team member in the conquest of back-to-back Clausura
Apertura and Clausura
The Apertura and Clausura tournaments are a relatively recent innovation for many Latin American football leagues in which the traditional European football season from August to May is divided in two sections per season, each with its own champion. Apertura and Clausura are the Spanish words for...
tournaments, contributing with 56 games and nine goals combined.
González's performances at River earned him a deal with Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
's F.C. Porto in 2005, signing a five-year contract. In his first season, he scored 10 goals in 30 games, including braces against Académica de Coimbra (5–1), F.C. Penafiel (3–1) and Vitória de Guimarães (3–1), helping the northerners
Porto
Porto , also known as Oporto in English, is the second largest city in Portugal and one of the major urban areas in the Iberian Peninsula. Its administrative limits include a population of 237,559 inhabitants distributed within 15 civil parishes...
to the first of their four consecutive league titles.
At Porto, González eventually became team captain. In November 2006, he signed an improved five-year contract and, in August 2007, the team paid €
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
6.65 million to Global Soccer Agencies to achieve full ownership of the player, as the club activated the clause by rejecting an offer from Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
.
Lucho remained a fan favorite at the Estádio do Dragão
Estádio do Dragão
The Estádio do Dragão is a football stadium located in Porto, Portugal, with an all-seated capacity of 50,399. Inaugurated on November 16, 2003, it is the current home ground of F.C. Porto, having replaced the club's old venue, the Estádio das Antas...
for the duration of his link. On 22 March 2009, he scored against C.F. Estrela da Amadora in the first leg of the Portuguese Cup
Taça de Portugal
The Taça de Portugal is the main Portuguese national football knock-out competition. The tournament has been officially known as the Taça de Portugal Millennium since 2008, due to its sponsorship by Portuguese private bank Millennium BCP. It has occurred on a yearly basis since 1938 and is...
semifinals (2–0 home win, 3–2 on aggregate), whilst during the league campaign, El Comandante netted nine times in only 23 games to help Porto to the fourth title in a row (the season ended with the double conquest).
Marseille
In June 2009, González was sold to Olympique de MarseilleOlympique de Marseille
Olympique de Marseille is a French association football club based in Marseille. Founded in 1899, the club plays in Ligue 1 and have spent most of its history in the top tier of French football. Marseille have been French champions nine times and have won the Coupe de France a record ten times. In...
in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, for a fee of €18 million, with the possibility of an increase to €24 million depending on the player's performance. He scored his first official goal for his new club on 19 September, opening the scoring in a 4–2 home win against Montpellier HSC
Montpellier HSC
Montpellier Hérault Sport Club is a French association football club based in the city of Montpellier. The club was founded in 1919 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Montpellier plays its home matches at the Stade de la Mosson, located within the city...
, and also found the net on 26 November, in the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
group stage draw against A.C. Milan
A.C. Milan
Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others...
at the San Siro
San Siro
The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, originally and commonly referred to as the San Siro because of its location, officially given its current name on 3 March 1980, is a football stadium located in the San Siro district in Milan, Italy. It is the home of both A.C. Milan and F.C. Internazionale Milano...
(1–1). On 5 December, again in Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
, he scored the 2–1 against OGC Nice
OGC Nice
Olympique Gymnaste Club Nice Côte d'Azur is a French association football club based in Nice. The club was founded in 1904 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top-tier of French football. Nice plays its home matches at the Stade Municipal du Ray located within the city. In 2013, the club is...
in the 77th minute, in an eventual 3–1 triumph against the ten-men hosts.
On 8 December 2009, González scored against Real Madrid
Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
, but also missed a penalty kick
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
later in the game, in an eventual 1–3 home loss in the Champions League, with the subsequent "relegation" to the UEFA Europa League, with the team ending its run in the competition the round of 16.
After the winter break, González scored in the 5–1 home thrashing of Valenciennes FC
Valenciennes FC
Valenciennes Football Club is a French association football club based in Valenciennes. The club was founded in 1913 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Valenciennes plays its home matches at the recently-built Stade du Hainaut located within the city...
, opening the score in the 33rd minute. Previously, in late January 2010, he also helped Marseille reach
2009–10 Coupe de la Ligue
The 2009–10 Coupe de la Ligue was the 16th edition of France's league cup, organized by the LFP. The defending champions were Ligue 1 club Bordeaux who defeated second division club Vannes 4–0 in the 2009 final. The competition began on 25 July 2009 and the final was held on 27 March 2010 at the...
the Coupe de la Ligue
Coupe de la Ligue
The Coupe de la Ligue , known outside of France as the French League Cup, is a knockout cup competition in French football organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel...
final
2010 Coupe de la Ligue Final
The 2010 Coupe de la Ligue Final was the 16th final of France's football league cup competition, the Coupe de la Ligue, a football competition for the 46 teams that the Ligue de Football Professionnel manages. The final took place on 27 March 2010 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis...
, finding the net against Lille OSC
Lille OSC
LOSC Lille Métropole is a French association football club based in Lille. The club was founded in 1944 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football. Lille plays its home matches at the Stade Lille-Metropole in nearby Villeneuve-d'Ascq. In 2012, the...
in the quarter-finals (2–1). On 28 February 2010, he scored once in a 3–0 away win against Paris Saint-Germain FC, which left Marseille in fourth place. He finished his first season
2009–10 Ligue 1
The 2009–10 Ligue 1 season was the 72nd since its establishment. Bordeaux were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 5 June 2009, and play commenced on 8 August and ended on 15 May 2010. There were three promoted teams from Ligue 2, replacing the three teams that were relegated...
with 32 games and five goals, as L'OM eventually won the league/league cup double.
González scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season
2010–11 Ligue 1
The 2010–11 Ligue 1 season was the 73rd since its establishment. Entering the season, Marseille were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 21 May 2010 and the season began on 7 August and ended on 29 May 2011. The winter break was in effect between 23 December and 15 January 2011...
on 29 August 2010, in a 1-1 away draw against FC Girondins de Bordeaux
FC Girondins de Bordeaux
Football Club des Girondins de Bordeaux is a French association football club based in the city of Bordeaux. The club currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, and won its last Ligue 1 title in the 2008–09 season....
. A month later, he netted the winning goal against FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard is a French association football club based in the city of Montbéliard. The club was founded in 1928 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. Sochaux plays its home matches at the Stade Auguste Bonal located within the city...
, in a 2–1 home win. On 3 November, he grabbed a brace in a 7–0 away routing of MŠK Žilina
MŠK Žilina
MŠK Žilina is a Slovak football club, based in the town of Žilina. They play in the Slovak Superliga and are one of the most successful clubs in this competition, having won five championships since the league's inception in 1993. The club and their supporters alike are nicknamed Šošoni...
, in the season's Champions League, as Marseille was eventually ousted in the last-16 by eventual finalists Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
.
On 12 February 2011, Lucho provided an assist
Assist (football)
In association football, an assist is a contribution by a player which helps to score a goal. Statistics for assists made by players may be kept officially by the organisers of a competition, or unofficially by, for example, journalists or organisers of fantasy football competitions...
for André-Pierre Gignac
André-Pierre Gignac
André-Pierre Gignac is a French professional football player who currently plays for French club Marseille in Ligue 1. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings. Gignac is described as a "powerful and dangerous" striker who is known for his "aerial presence"...
, helping his team defeat Sochaux 2–1 away from home. In Marseille's next game, he opened the score in a 2–1 win over AS Saint-Étienne
AS Saint-Étienne
Association Sportive de Saint-Étienne Loire is a French association football club based in Saint-Étienne. The club was founded in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Saint-Étienne plays its home matches at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard located within the city...
.
On 11 March 2011, González scored the second goal in a 2–0 win against Stade Rennais FC, keeping the pressure on Lille in the title race. He provided the assist for Benoit Cheyrou
Benoït Cheyrou
Benoît Cheyrou is a French football player who currently plays for Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1. He plays as a central midfielder and often acts as a deep-lying playmaker for the attack. Cheyrou is known for his vision, distribution, and assists...
's goal against RC Lens
RC Lens
Racing Club de Lens is a French association football club based in the northern city of Lens in the Pas-de-Calais department. Its nickname, sang et or , comes from its traditional colours of red and gold. Their primary rivals are their northern neighbors Lille OSC, whom they contest the Derby du...
, in a 1–0 win, and also started in the French League Cup final
2011 Coupe de la Ligue Final
The 2011 Coupe de la Ligue Final was the 17th final of France's football league cup competition, the Coupe de la Ligue, a football competition for the 44 teams that the Ligue de Football Professionnel manages. The final took place on 23 April 2011 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis and was...
, won against Montpellier by the same result.
Due to his solid performances, González was linked with a transfer to Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, in early May 2011. But he sought to allay these fears and show his commitment to the club by saying that "I don't know why there are so many things said about this at the moment. It annoys me a bit. At no time has it left my mouth that I wanted to leave or that I didn't feel good here. I have a contract with OM until 2013 and the people at the club seem happy with me."
On 8 May 2011, Marseille faced title challengers Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The...
at the Stade de Gerland, and González scored in an eventual 2–3 loss, with his team eventually finishing second to champions Lille. After the season ended, chairman Jean-Claude Dassier
Jean-Claude Dassier
Jean-Claude Dassier is the president of Olympique de Marseille between June 2009 and June 2011. Before, he was a journalist and the news director of TF1.-References:...
confirmed that the player was seeking an exit from the club, amidst interest of several teams.
Despite the constant speculation, González remained with Marseille for the 2011–12 season
2011–12 Ligue 1
The 2011–12 Ligue 1 season is the 74th since its establishment. Lille are the defending champions. The league schedule was announced on 31 March 2011 and the fixtures were determined on 10 June. The season began on 6 August 2011 and will end on 20 May 2012...
. In the first matchday, he opened the scoring in the 38' minute against FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard is a French association football club based in the city of Montbéliard. The club was founded in 1928 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. Sochaux plays its home matches at the Stade Auguste Bonal located within the city...
, in an eventual 2–2 home draw. On 13 September, he netted the game's only goal in an away fixture against Olympiacos FC, for the Champions League group stage, where he also earned Man of the match
Man of the match
In sport, a Man of the Match or Player of the Game or Man of the Series award is given to the outstanding player, almost always the one who makes the most impact, in a particular match or series. The term was originally used more often in cricket before being adopted by other sports. This can be a...
accolades.
International career
Under the guidance of Marcelo BielsaMarcelo Bielsa
Marcelo Alberto Bielsa Caldera is an Argentine association football coach and former defender, born in Rosario, Santa Fe...
, González made his first appearance with the Argentine national team
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
on 31 January 2003 against Honduras
Honduras national football team
The Honduran national football team, nicknamed Los Catrachos, La Bicolor or La H, is the national team of Honduras and is controlled by the Federación Nacional Autónoma de Fútbol de Honduras...
. He went on to represent the nation in the 2004 Copa América, scoring two goals during the tournament, as Argentina lost the final on penalties to Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
.
González also played with the team that won the gold medal
Football at the 2004 Summer Olympics
The football tournament at the 2004 Summer Olympics started on 11 August, , and ended on 28 August.The men's tournament is played by U-23 national teams, with up to three over age players allowed per squad...
at the 2004 Summer Olympics
2004 Summer Olympics
The 2004 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad, was a premier international multi-sport event held in Athens, Greece from August 13 to August 29, 2004 with the motto Welcome Home. 10,625 athletes competed, some 600 more than expected, accompanied by 5,501 team...
. In the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
-Group B:---------------------Knockout stage:-Semi-finals:-----Third place playoff:-Final:-Awards:-Goal scorers:5 goals Adriano4 goals Luciano Figueroa John Aloisi Michael Ballack...
held in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, he helped the national side earn a second-place finish in the competition, once again losing to Brazil in the final.
In 2006, González was selected for the squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
, in which Argentina, managed by José Pekerman
José Pekerman
José Néstor Pékerman is an Argentine football coach and an ex-football player. He become famous as a youth level coach for Argentina, winning the FIFA World Youth Championship three times, and the U-20 South American Youth Championship twice...
, lost to hosts Germany
Germany national football team
The Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
in the quarter-finals, on penalties. Subsequently, he was part of the Alfio Basile
Alfio Basile
Alfio Basile , known as Coco, is an Argentine football coach and former player.-Playing career:Basile started his playing career at the Bella Vista club in his home city. From 1964 to 1970 he played for Racing Club, and then for Huracán, where he was a mainstay of the 1973 Metropolitano champions...
–managed squad at 2007 Copa América, where Argentina lost again to Brazil in the final, losing by a score of 3–0 to their archrivals.
International goals
|-| 1 || 4 February 2003 || Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano
Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano
Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano is a multi-purpose stadium in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. It is currently used mostly for football matches and also has facilities for athletics...
, San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sula is a city in Honduras. It is located in the northwest corner of the country, in the Valle de Sula , about 60 km south of Puerto Cortés on the Caribbean. With an estimated population of 638,259 people in the main municipality, and 802,598 in its metro area , it is the second...
, Honduras
Honduras
Honduras is a republic in Central America. It was previously known as Spanish Honduras to differentiate it from British Honduras, which became the modern-day state of Belize...
|| || 1–2 || 1–3 || Friendly
Exhibition game
An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition...
|-
| 2 || 8 February 2003 || Orange Bowl
Orange Bowl
The Orange Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game played at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. It has been played annually since January 1, 1935 and celebrated its 75th playing on January 1, 2009...
, Miami, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
|| || 0–1 || 0–1 || Friendly
Exhibition game
An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition...
|-
| 3 || 7 July 2004 || Estadio Elías Aguirre
Estadio Elias Aguirre
Estadio Elías Aguirre is a multi-purpose stadium administrated by the governmental Instituto Peruano del Deporte in Chiclayo, Peru. It was built in 1970 named after the 19th century Peruvian sailor Elías Aguirre Romero...
, Chiclayo
Chiclayo
Chiclayo is the capital city of the Lambayeque region in northern Peru. It is located 13 kilometers inland from the Pacific coast and 770 kilometers from the nation's capital, Lima...
, Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
|| || 6–1 || 6–1 || 2004 Copa América
|-
| 4 || 20 July 2004 || Estadio Nacional
Estadio Nacional (Lima)
The Estadio Nacional of Peru is a multi-purpose stadium located in Lima, Peru. Its current capacity is 50,000 as stated by the Peruvian Football Federation. The stadium was inaugurated on 27 October 1952 for the 1953 South American Championship—replacing the Stadium Nacional—and is Peru's principal...
, Lima
Lima
Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, in the central part of the country, on a desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Together with the seaport of Callao, it forms a contiguous urban area known as the Lima...
, Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
|| || 2–0 || 3–0 || 2004 Copa América
|-
| 5 || 9 October 2004 || Estadio Antonio V. Liberti
Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti
Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, is a stadium in the Belgrano district of Buenos Aires, Argentina at the intersection of Figueroa Alcorta and Udaondo. It is the home venue of Club Atlético River Plate and is named after former club president Antonio Vespucio Liberti...
, Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent...
, Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
|| || 1–0 || 4–2 || 2006 World Cup qualification
2006 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)
Listed below are the dates and results for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for South America. 10 teams took part, all in a single group. The rules were very simple: the teams would play against each other in a home-and-away basis, with the four teams with most points qualifying to...
|-
| 6 || 1 April 2009 || Estadio Hernando Siles
Estadio Hernando Siles
Estadio Hernando Siles is a sports stadium in La Paz, Bolivia. It is the country's largest sports complex with a capacity of 42,000 seated spectators and is named after Hernando Siles Reyes, the 31st President of Bolivia...
, La Paz
La Paz
Nuestra Señora de La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia, as well as the departmental capital of the La Paz Department, and the second largest city in the country after Santa Cruz de la Sierra...
, Bolivia
Bolivia
Bolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America...
|| || 6–1|| 6–1 || 2010 World Cup qualification
2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)
The South American zone of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification saw 10 teams competing for places in the finals which were held in South Africa. The format is identical to that used for the previous three World Cup qualification tournaments held by CONMEBOL...
|}
Club
Huracán- Argentine Primera B Nacional: 2000
River Plate
- Argentine Primera División: 2003, 2004
Porto
- Primeira Liga: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09
- Taça de PortugalTaça de PortugalThe Taça de Portugal is the main Portuguese national football knock-out competition. The tournament has been officially known as the Taça de Portugal Millennium since 2008, due to its sponsorship by Portuguese private bank Millennium BCP. It has occurred on a yearly basis since 1938 and is...
: 2005–06, 2008–09
Marseille
- Ligue 1Ligue 1Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
: 2009–102009–10 Ligue 1The 2009–10 Ligue 1 season was the 72nd since its establishment. Bordeaux were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 5 June 2009, and play commenced on 8 August and ended on 15 May 2010. There were three promoted teams from Ligue 2, replacing the three teams that were relegated... - Coupe de la LigueCoupe de la LigueThe Coupe de la Ligue , known outside of France as the French League Cup, is a knockout cup competition in French football organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel...
: 2009–102009–10 Coupe de la LigueThe 2009–10 Coupe de la Ligue was the 16th edition of France's league cup, organized by the LFP. The defending champions were Ligue 1 club Bordeaux who defeated second division club Vannes 4–0 in the 2009 final. The competition began on 25 July 2009 and the final was held on 27 March 2010 at the...
, 2010–112010–11 Coupe de la LigueThe 2010–11 Coupe de la Ligue was the 17th edition of the French league cup competition. The defending champions were Marseille, who defeated Bordeaux 3–1 in the 2009–10 edition of the final. The competition was organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel and was open to the forty-four... - Trophée des ChampionsTrophée des championsThe Trophée des champions , is a French association football trophy contested in an annual match between the champions of Ligue 1 and the winners of the Coupe de France. It is equivalent to the Super Cups found in many countries...
: 20102010 Trophée des ChampionsThe 2010 Trophée des champions was the 15th edition of the French supercup. The match was contested by the winners of Ligue 1 the previous season, Olympique de Marseille, and the winners of the Coupe de France the previous season, Paris Saint-Germain. The match was played, for the second...
, 20112011 Trophée des ChampionsThe 2011 Trophée des champions was the 16th edition of the French supercup. The match was to be contested by the winners of Ligue 1 the previous season, Lille, and the defending Coupe de France champions. However, due to Lille also winning the Coupe de France the previous season, the club faced...
Country
- Copa AméricaCopa AméricaThe Copa América —previously known as South American Championship—is an international football competition contested between the men's national teams of CONMEBOL, the sport's continental governing body...
: Runner-up 2004, 2007 - Summer Olympic GamesSummer Olympic GamesThe Summer Olympic Games or the Games of the Olympiad are an international multi-sport event, occurring every four years, organized by the International Olympic Committee. Medals are awarded in each event, with gold medals for first place, silver for second and bronze for third, a tradition that...
: 2004Football at the 2004 Summer OlympicsThe football tournament at the 2004 Summer Olympics started on 11 August, , and ended on 28 August.The men's tournament is played by U-23 national teams, with up to three over age players allowed per squad...