The tragedy of Federico Andueza, the Uruguayan who scored Sarmiento’s second goal against River at Monumental

“Footballers are people”. That phrase, much used by those who were inside a field, is repeated frequently every time a player is criticized, perhaps excessively, after some mistake on the playing field. It’s just that life goes on out of court with just anybody’s problems.

This is the case with Federico Anduezathe Sarmiento de Junín defender who scored one of the goals in the team’s victory Israel Damonte in the Monument. And in that goal, probably the most important of his career on stage and the one he had to experience the previous week, the 25-year-old Uruguayan let himself out.

First he yelled effusively and hugged his companions. Then, alone, he pointed to the sky with his hands and eyes and, as could be heard in the official broadcast, he launched a “For you, Joaco. I love you, cousin.” Then he explained the reason for that special dedication.

“Two weeks ago my cousin decided to take his own life. It is a difficult time for the whole family and for those who are there in Uruguay. The party was for him and for the whole family. With all this about the tournament I couldn’t travel, I experienced it here with my partner, “he said in an interview with Sportscenter, the ESPN news program.

“I had just told my mom I was listening to music when we were going out on the pitch and I asked him to give me a win please. Not only did it come, but with a goal,” he added. “It was also my cousin’s birthday, her sister, and they were watching the game from Uruguay. It was very emotional,” she concluded.

Later, more relaxed, he left a few words about the intersection with which he had had Nicholas of the Cross, another of the Uruguayans who were in the field. “They just fouled him on the edge of the box, but I told him ‘don’t be shit and hit him yourself’. Juanfer (Quintero) ended up hitting him, huh … I have a good friendship with Nico, yeah congratulated me as I did after the last match in Junín. This is the beauty of football, of friendships, “he laughed.

The emerged from Wanderers of Montevideowith considerable fortitude, he recalled the significance of last weekend’s victory at the Monumental for a team struggling not to be relegated, but whose performances of this kind make him dream higher. “It was very important for the rival, the best in Argentina I think. We are prepared for this, to play on any pitch and it has been shown that we have barbaric courage.”expressed in the post-match interview.

With these three points, Junín’s were on the verge of entering the qualifying zone for the Copa Sudamericana. They are, with 35 points in the annual ranking, tied with Huracán and Unión, the last to enter, all two units from Atlético Tucumán and four from Newells and Defensa y Justicia. The next date, Friday at 9:30 pm, they will receive Lanús looking to continue with the increase.