Andrés Mazali (22 July 1902 – 30 October 1975) was a twice Olympic gold medallist for Uruguay in the 1924 and 1928 Olympic football tournaments, more famous for his decision to break curfew in the days leading up to the start of the first FIFA World Cup in Uruguay, deciding to go out on a date with a mystery blonde.
International debut
Mazali, a member of the Nacional side that won three consecutive domestic titles between 1922 and 1924 (the side only conceded 29 goals in those three, turbulent seasons; Peñarol were banned from the national league in 1923 ), made his debut on May 26, 1924 in an Olympic Games fixture against Yugoslavia in Colombes, Paris having won his place from Pedro Casella who, at the time, was plying his trade with Rampla Juniors.
Olympic triumph
Uruguay won that fixture 7-0 and he conceded only two goals on his way to the Olympic title . By the time of the 1924 South American Championships his place behind his captain José Nasazzi was assured, where he conceded only one goal on his way to achieving victory with Uruguay.
South American Championships
His place was taken at the 1926 South American Championships by Fausto Batignani of Liverpool FC (Montevideo) and in 1927 by Miguel Capuccini of Montevideo Wanderers F.C.. When Mazali did regain his position (recalled into Primo Giannoti's Olympic squad prior to Amsterdam) he regained his form as well. He conceded only five goals on his way to a second Olympic Gold Medal; in the 1929 edition of the South American Championships, however, in Buenos Aires, both he and the team suffered ill-form, he conceding six goals and the Uruguayans finishing in 3rd place overall. His last match for the national side was a 2-0 defeat to the Argentinians in Buenos Aires in the last match of the competition in November, 1929.
Breaking curfew
When in Montevideo for the 1930 FIFA World Cup, the Uruguayans were under strict instructions from Alberto Suppici not to leave the team hotel beyond curfew hours. At one point close to the tournament Mazali breached the curfew and was, thereafter, banned from participating in the tournament by Supicci and never played for Uruguay again. His place at the tournament was taken by Enrique Ballesteros of Rampla Juniors.
Mazali was one of eight (8) players who became double Gold medallists, along with José Leandro Andrade, Pedro Arispe, Pedro Cea, José Nasazzi, Pedro Petrone, Héctor Scarone and Santos Urdinarán. Except for the second, all became World Champions under Alberto Suppici.
Other sports
Curiously enough, Mazali also performed two other sports successfully:
- basketball player (Club Olympia)
- athletics
References
External links
Uruguay