Antonio Roma

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Antonio Roma (born on July 13, 1932 in Villa Lugano neighbourhood, Buenos Aires) is a former Argentine football goalkeeper.

Nicknamed Tarzan for the way of throwing himself for the ball, he started his professional career with Ferrocarril Oeste in 1955, where he played until 1959. He was then transferred, together with teammate Silvio Marzolini, to giant Boca Juniors, where he debuted in the victory of April 3, 1960 against Estudiantes de La Plata.

Roma stayed with Boca until his retirement in 1972, becoming one of the biggest idols of the club, with total of 323 matches. With the club Roma won the Argentine League of 1962, 1964, 1965, and the Campeonato Nacional 1969 and 1970. In 1969 he kept his goal clear for 783 minutes.

Probably the most remembered save by Antonio Roma was the penalty executed by Brazilian River's player Delem, that he sent to the corner. With only 2 rounds before the end of the championship, Boca and its all-time derby River Plate shared the first position at the local league. Boca was ahead 1:0 when referee Nai Foino conceded a penalty to River. After the save, the public invaded the field delaying the continuation of the match for 11 minutes. River was not able to change the score, and Boca finally won that championship.

Roma also played with the Argentina national football team, including at the 1962 FIFA World Cup and 1966 FIFA World Cup.

	Argentina squad - 1966 FIFA World Cup
1 Roma | 2 Irusta | 3 Gatti | 4 Perfumo | 5 Varacka | 6 Calics | 7 Marzolini | 8 Ferreiro | 9 Simeone | 10 Rattín | 11 Pastoriza | 12 Albrecht | 13 López | 14 Chaldú | 15 Solari | 16 González | 17 Sarnari | 18 Rojas | 19 Artime | 20 Onega | 21 Más | 22 Tarabini | Coach: Lorenzo

	Argentina squad - 1962 FIFA World Cup
1 Roma | 2 Ramos Delgado | 3 Marzolini | 4 Sainz | 5 Sacchi | 6 Páez | 7 Facundo | 8 Pando | 9 Pagani | 10 Sanfilippo | 11 Belén | 12 Domínguez | 13 Rossi | 14 Mariotti | 15 Navarro | 16 Rattín | 17 Albrecht | 18 Cap | 19 Sosa | 20 Oleniak | 21 Abeledo | 22 González | Coach: Lorenzo