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Pedro Morales (footballer)
Encyclopedia
Pedro Andrés Morales Flores (born May 25, 1985 in Hualpén
, Chile
) is a Chilean footballer who currently plays for Croatian club NK Dinamo Zagreb. He began his professional career with Huachipato. He first represented Chile in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship
, where he helped Chile qualify to the U-20 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship
. There, he gave numerous assists and scored plenty of goals whilst getting the unique opportunity to play alongside and against the likes of world-class players in his position, including Atletico Madrid's Sergio Agüero
, FC Barcelona
's Lionel Messi
, Arsenal
's Cesc Fàbregas
, Manchester City's David Silva
, and Sporting Lisboa's Matias Fernandez
.
, one of Chile's oldest and most popular clubs. He made his debut in the summer of 2007, right before the Chilean Clausura tournament. His presence, quick feet and leadership skills allowed him to regularly play alongside Chile's top national team scorer, ex Juventus and Lazio
center forward, Marcelo Salas
. Morales finished the 5-month tournament as the second top scorer in the league, with 13 goals.
Morales signed a five year contract with NK Dinamo Zagreb on June 11, 2008. After first season of average performances, in his second season with Croatian club he soon established himself as one of Dinamo's main players.
by the world-renown and former Argentina
coach, Marcelo Bielsa
. The tour consisted of 2 friendlies where Chile beat the South Korean national team 1-0 in Seoul and tied the Japanese national team
0-0 in Nissan Stadium
, widely known for having hosted the 2002 World Cup
final. Morales's outstanding performances allowed him to play the full 90 minutes in both encounters, giving Bielsa a nearly perfect first impression.
A month later, Morales was called up to represent Chile in the prestigious 8-team, U23 Toulon tournament in France. It was there where he really "stepped up his game". He was chosen the 2nd best player of the tournament and scored what was voted as the tournament's best goal, thanks to a mind-boggling strike from the behind the half in a semifinal against Cote d'Ivoire
. Morales's size, technique, goals, and assists allowed Chile to make it to the final where they conceded a 1-0 loss to Italy
, in a highly-contested encounter where Morales was able to rid himself of all nearby defenders and shoot a 25-yard rocket that hit the Italian post in the dying minutes of the game.
In June 2008, Morales's immense skill allowed him to participate in two extremely important 2010 FIFA World Cup
in South Africa
qualifying games against Bolivia and Venezuela.
He went on to start in Chile's historical 2-0 win against Bolivia National Team
. (The game was played 3600 meters above sea level in La Paz
, in what is the highest stadium in the planet). Yet, the altitude factor was not an issue for Morales who was able to fire a 40 yard shot that bounced off the top corner of the right post, resulting in the game's opening goal. Additionally, Morales had an active participation in the 3-2 away win against Venezuela National Team
, an entertaining game where he also started. These wins helped Chile climb to a respectable 2nd place position in the qualifying table, one point below 5-time FIFA World Cup
champions Brazil national football team
.
Hualpén
Hualpén is a Chilean city and commune belonging to Concepción Province and the Biobío Region. It forms part of the conurbation of Greater Concepción. The commune spans an area of .-Demographics:...
, Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
) is a Chilean footballer who currently plays for Croatian club NK Dinamo Zagreb. He began his professional career with Huachipato. He first represented Chile in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship
2005 FIFA World Youth Championship
The 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship took place in The Netherlands between 10 June and 2 July 2005. The 2005 championship was the 15th contested.- Venues :- Qualification :The following 24 teams qualified for the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship...
, where he helped Chile qualify to the U-20 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship
2005 FIFA World Youth Championship
The 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship took place in The Netherlands between 10 June and 2 July 2005. The 2005 championship was the 15th contested.- Venues :- Qualification :The following 24 teams qualified for the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship...
. There, he gave numerous assists and scored plenty of goals whilst getting the unique opportunity to play alongside and against the likes of world-class players in his position, including Atletico Madrid's Sergio Agüero
Sergio Agüero
Sergio Leonel "Kun" Agüero del Castillo is an Argentine footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester City in England's Premier League and the Argentine national team....
, FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
's Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi is an Argentine footballer who plays for FC Barcelona and captains the Argentina national team, mainly as a striker. Messi received several Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21, and won in 2009 and 2010...
, Arsenal
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...
's Cesc Fàbregas
Cesc Fàbregas
Francesc "Cesc" Fàbregas i Soler is a Spanish footballer who plays as a central midfielder for La Liga club FC Barcelona.Fàbregas started his career as a trainee with Barcelona but was signed by Premier League side Arsenal in September 2003 at the age of 16...
, Manchester City's David Silva
David Silva
David Josué Jiménez Silva is a Spanish footballer who plays for Manchester City and the Spanish national team. Silva is capable of playing on the wing, as a traditional number 10 and sometimes as a supporting striker...
, and Sporting Lisboa's Matias Fernandez
Matías Fernández
Matías Ariel Fernández Fernández is a Chilean footballer who plays for Sporting Clube de Portugal in Portugal.An attacking midfielder with playmaking and dribbling skills, also being a free-kick specialist, he is known by several nicknames: Mati, El Pelusa and Matigol.Fernández was elected South...
.
Club career
His outstanding performance in the U-20 World Cup helped Morales make the switch from Huachipato to Universidad de ChileUniversidad de Chile (football club)
Club Universidad de Chile is a professional football club based in Santiago, Chile, which plays in the Primera División.The club was founded on May 24, 1927, as Club Deportivo Universitario. Universidad de Chile is the second most successful and popular football clubs in Chile, having won the...
, one of Chile's oldest and most popular clubs. He made his debut in the summer of 2007, right before the Chilean Clausura tournament. His presence, quick feet and leadership skills allowed him to regularly play alongside Chile's top national team scorer, ex Juventus and Lazio
S.S. Lazio
Società Sportiva Lazio, commonly referred to as Lazio, is a professional Italian football club based in Rome. The team, founded in 1900, play in the Serie A and have spent most of their history in the top tier of Italian football...
center forward, Marcelo Salas
Marcelo Salas
José Marcelo Salas Melinao , better known as El Matador, Shileno or simply Marcelo Salas, is a former football player from Chile. He, along with world cup veterans, 3 time Best Player of America Elías Figueroa and former Real Madrid and Inter Milan forward Iván Zamorano, has been one of Chile's...
. Morales finished the 5-month tournament as the second top scorer in the league, with 13 goals.
Morales signed a five year contract with NK Dinamo Zagreb on June 11, 2008. After first season of average performances, in his second season with Croatian club he soon established himself as one of Dinamo's main players.
International career
In January 2008, Morales was called up to the Chilean national teamChile national football team
The Chilean national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions. The team is controlled by the Federación de Fútbol de Chile which was established in 1895. They have appeared in eight World Cup tournaments and were hosts of the 1962 FIFA World Cup finishing in...
by the world-renown and former 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...
coach, Marcelo Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa
Marcelo Alberto Bielsa Caldera is an Argentine association football coach and former defender, born in Rosario, Santa Fe...
. The tour consisted of 2 friendlies where Chile beat the South Korean national team 1-0 in Seoul and tied the Japanese national team
Japan national football team
The Japan national football team represents Japan in association football and is operated by the Japan Football Association, the governing body for association football in Japan...
0-0 in Nissan Stadium
Nissan Stadium
The is a sports venue in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.The Yokohama City Office planned multi purpose about the rest place for flood by the Tsurumi River, which included the construction of the main stadium of major sport events - the 53rd National Sports Festival of Japan in Kanagawa...
, widely known for having hosted the 2002 World Cup
2002 World Cup
2002 World Cup may refer to:*Alpine skiing – 2002 Alpine Skiing World Cup*Athletics – 2002 IAAF World Cup*Field Hockey:** 2002 Men's World Hockey Cup** 2002 Women's World Hockey Cup...
final. Morales's outstanding performances allowed him to play the full 90 minutes in both encounters, giving Bielsa a nearly perfect first impression.
A month later, Morales was called up to represent Chile in the prestigious 8-team, U23 Toulon tournament in France. It was there where he really "stepped up his game". He was chosen the 2nd best player of the tournament and scored what was voted as the tournament's best goal, thanks to a mind-boggling strike from the behind the half in a semifinal against Cote d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire
The Republic of Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa. It has an area of , and borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. The country's population was 15,366,672 in 1998 and was estimated to be...
. Morales's size, technique, goals, and assists allowed Chile to make it to the final where they conceded a 1-0 loss to Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, in a highly-contested encounter where Morales was able to rid himself of all nearby defenders and shoot a 25-yard rocket that hit the Italian post in the dying minutes of the game.
In June 2008, Morales's immense skill allowed him to participate in two extremely important 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
qualifying games against Bolivia and Venezuela.
He went on to start in Chile's historical 2-0 win against Bolivia National Team
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...
. (The game was played 3600 meters above sea level in 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...
, in what is the highest stadium in the planet). Yet, the altitude factor was not an issue for Morales who was able to fire a 40 yard shot that bounced off the top corner of the right post, resulting in the game's opening goal. Additionally, Morales had an active participation in the 3-2 away win against Venezuela National Team
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
, an entertaining game where he also started. These wins helped Chile climb to a respectable 2nd place position in the qualifying table, one point below 5-time FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
champions Brazil national football team
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...
.
International goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | May 5, 2010 | Tierra de Campeones Estadio Tierra de Campeones Estadio Tierra de Campeones is an athletic stadium in Iquique, Chile. It is the home stadium of Municipal Iquique. The stadium holds 9,500 spectators and was built in 1993.-External links:*... , Iquique Iquique Iquique is a port city and commune in northern Chile, capital of both the Iquique Province and Tarapacá Region. It lies on the Pacific coast, west of the Atacama Desert and the Pampa del Tamarugal. It had a population of 216,419 as of the 2002 census... , Chile |
1–0 | 2–0 | Friendly | |
| 2. | October 9, 2010 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium Sheikh Zayed Stadium Sheikh Zayed Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is currently used mostly for football matches but can also stage athletics. It is named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first president of the UAE. The construction of the... , Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi , literally Father of Gazelle, is the capital and the second largest city of the United Arab Emirates in terms of population and the largest of the seven member emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western... , United Arab Emirates |
0-2 | 0-2 | Friendly | |
| 3. | October 12, 2010 | Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex also known locally as, Boshar , is a government owned multi-purpose stadium in the Boshar district of Muscat, Oman. It is currently used mostly for football matches, and also has facilities for athletics. The stadium originally had a capacity of over 40,000, but after... , Muscat Muscat, Oman Muscat is the capital of Oman. It is also the seat of government and largest city in the Governorate of Muscat. As of 2008, the population of the Muscat metropolitan area was 1,090,797. The metropolitan area spans approximately and includes six provinces called wilayats... , Oman |
0-1 | 0-1 | Friendly |