Sorin, Juan Pablo

Sorin, a talented left-back, is considered among the world's elite players at his position. He was the regular starting left back for Lazio, Argentina's national team, whom he helped to a championship challenge in the 2002-03 season.

Sorin now plays for Paris St. Germain and was a starter for Argentina in its 2004 Copa America campaign. The Argentines put on quite a display in the first match, on July 7, as they destroyed Ecuador 6-1. Sorin was excellent in the second fixture against Mexico and nearly scored a crucial goal in the second half. However Mexico won 1-0 through an elegant Ramon Morales free-kick. Despite their initial excellence, Argentina faced elimination if they failed to beat a competent Uruguayan team. The left-back looked on from the bench as Argentina pulled off a dazzling 4-2 win. Sorin was back in the starting eleven in the quarter-final match-up with Peru on July 17. The Jewish defender marshaled a wondrously solid defense in the 1-0 victory as substitute Carlos Tevez scored the winner. Argentina beat Colombia 3-0 in the semi-finals and Sorin harassed the Colombian defense repeatedly with elusive runs on the left flank. In the 15th minute he shot the ball just over the bar but he made amends in the 80th minute with a craftily headed goal. Argentina faced traditional rivals Brazil in a highly touted "classic final" scenario. Argentina were ahead 2-1, three minutes into overtime, when Adriano scored a dramatic equalizer as the game went to a penalty shootout. Sorin kept his cool and scored his designated kick, but Argentina missed two other shots as the Copa America title went to Brazil.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. May 5, 1976

Career Highlights:
Currently one of the best left fullbacks in the world, Sorin came up for Argentinos Juniors, the same small club that gave the world Diego Maradona. After a successful campaign with Juniors, Sorin moved to Italian giant Juventus in 1995-95, but played little for the club. He then returned to Argentina and signed with powerhouse, River Plate. Sorin remained with the club until 2000 when he moved to another powerful club, Brazil's Cruzeiro.

During his tenure with Cruzeiro, Sorin was one of the best players in the Brazilian league when he tore up the left wing, scoring five goals in the 2000 campaign. In 2002, Lazio, in dire need of class in the left back position, splashed 9.5 million dollars on the star. Sorin played with fellow Argentines Diego Simeone, Lucas Castroman and Claudio Lopez.

Sorin has also been a constant on the Argentinean National team for the last few years. He played in the 1996 Olympics, winning a silver medal, and started every game of the 2002 World Cup. During the tournament, Sorin was among the only bright spots in an otherwise bleak campaign.

Lazio finished the 2002-03 season in fourth place despite endless finacial problems. While playing with Lazio in Italy, Sorin's contract was actually owned by Spanish super side Barcelona F.C. The club placed him on the transfer list in August 2003, and he was quickly snapped up by Paris St. Germain

Origin:
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Position:
Left-back

< Previous |  Next >