Tomás Carlovich facts for kids
Carlovich in Central Córdoba
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Tomás Felipe Carlovich | ||
| Date of birth | 19 April 1946 | ||
| Place of birth | Rosario, Argentina | ||
| Date of death | 8 May 2020 (aged 74) | ||
| Place of death | Rosario, Argentina | ||
| Playing position | Central midfielder | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1969–1970 | Rosario Central | ||
| 1971 | Flandria | ||
| 1972 | Independiente Rivadavia | ||
| 1973–1975 | Central Córdoba | ||
| 1976 | Rosario Central | ||
| 1977 | Colón de Santa Fe | ||
| 1978–1979 | Deportivo Maipú | ||
| 1980–1983 | Central Córdoba | ||
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Tomás Felipe Carlovich (born April 19, 1946 – died May 8, 2020) was an Argentine football player. People often called him El Trinche. He played as a central midfielder.
Carlovich played for several clubs, but he is best known for his time at Central Córdoba. Fans there saw him as a club legend. He was famous for his amazing ball control and dribbling skills.
Many people thought Carlovich was a true example of "creole football." This means he played with a very natural and skillful style. Even though he played only a few games in Argentina's top league, he was highly respected. Some even compared him to Diego Maradona, calling him "the Maradona that never was." This was because he loved his simple life and did not want to play for big clubs outside Argentina.
Famous clubs like AC Milan and some French teams tried to sign him. But Carlovich said no to all their offers. Later, the Brazilian football star Pelé tried to get him to play for the New York Cosmos. Carlovich also turned down that offer. He briefly coached Central Córdoba but decided he did not want to coach the main team again.
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Football Career
Tomás Carlovich grew up in Rosario, Argentina. His father was an immigrant from Croatia. Carlovich started playing football for Rosario Central in the late 1960s. However, he became most famous while playing for Central Córdoba.
With Central Córdoba, Carlovich helped his team win promotions in 1973 and 1982. This meant they moved up to a higher league. He also played for other teams like Colón de Santa Fe, Independiente Rivadavia, and Deportivo Maipú. He retired from football in 1986.
The Famous "Nutmeg" Trick
During a match, a fan dared Carlovich to do a special trick. The fan asked him to do a "double nutmeg". This means kicking the ball through an opponent's legs, then getting it back, and doing it again.
"El Trinche" did the trick right away! The crowd cheered loudly. Carlovich repeated this amazing nutmeg many times during his career.
The Big Game of 1974
Before the 1974 World Cup, the Argentina national football team played a friendly game. They played against a team made up only of players from Rosario. Some of the best players from Rosario were in this team, including Carlovich.
At halftime, the Rosario team was winning 3-0. They were playing so well that the Argentina national team coach asked for Carlovich to be taken out of the game. He was just too good! Carlovich left the field for the second half. The final score was 3–1.
His Passing
On May 6, 2020, Carlovich was attacked. Someone stole his bicycle, and he fell, hitting his head. He passed away two days later, on May 8, 2020.
How He Is Remembered
Many people believe Carlovich was one of Argentina's best football players ever. José Pekerman, a famous coach, said Carlovich was the best central midfielder he had ever seen. César Luis Menotti, another great coach, said Carlovich was a special player who was born with a ball.
Diego Maradona himself praised Carlovich. When a journalist called Maradona "the best footballer," Maradona replied: "The best footballer has already played in Rosario, and his name is Carlovich." In 2020, Maradona met Carlovich and told him, "you were better than me."
See also
In Spanish: Trinche Carlovich para niños
