1. Overview
Oscar Alberto Ortiz (born April 8, 1953, in Chacabuco, Buenos Aires) is a retired Argentine footballer who primarily played as a winger. His career spanned from 1971 to 1983, during which he achieved significant success at both club and international levels. Ortiz was a key member of the Argentina national football team that secured their first FIFA World Cup title in 1978, a pivotal moment in Argentine football history. Throughout his club career, he played for prominent Argentine clubs such as San Lorenzo, River Plate, Huracán, and Independiente, as well as a brief period with Brazilian club Grêmio. He is particularly noted for his skill in unbalancing defenses and creating opportunities for teammates rather than focusing on scoring goals himself.
2. Early life and career start
Oscar Alberto Ortiz was born on April 8, 1953, in Chacabuco, within the Buenos Aires Province of Argentina. He began his professional football career in 1971, making his debut with San Lorenzo. His first appearance for the club was in a match against Newell's Old Boys, which San Lorenzo won by a score of 2-1. As a young and promising player, Ortiz quickly became an integral part of the San Lorenzo squad.
3. Club career
Oscar Alberto Ortiz's club career was marked by significant achievements across several prominent teams in Argentina and a brief stint in Brazil.
3.1. San Lorenzo
Ortiz played for San Lorenzo from his debut in 1971 until 1976. During this period, he contributed to San Lorenzo's success, being part of the squad that won three league titles. These included the Metropolitano championship in 1972 and the Nacional championship in both 1972 and 1974. His early career at San Lorenzo established him as a talented winger.
3.2. Grêmio
In 1976, Ortiz transferred from San Lorenzo to the Brazilian club Grêmio. However, his time in Brazil was limited. He later stated that he was injured for much of his tenure at Grêmio, which hindered his ability to perform consistently. Following this period, he returned to Argentina to continue his career.
3.3. River Plate
Ortiz's move to River Plate marked the most successful chapter of his club career in terms of trophies won. He joined the club and immediately began contributing to their domestic dominance. His first major trophy with River Plate was the Metropolitano championship in 1977. Building on this success, he helped River Plate achieve an impressive feat by winning three consecutive league titles: the Metropolitano championships in 1979 and 1980, and the Nacional championship in 1979. This period at River Plate solidified his reputation as a formidable and title-winning player.
3.4. Huracán and Independiente
After his highly successful spell at River Plate, Ortiz was transferred to Huracán in 1981. His time at Huracán was generally considered unremarkable, and he did not stay long with the club. He was subsequently sold to Independiente. At Independiente, Ortiz managed to secure one final title, contributing to their victory in the 1983 Metropolitano championship. Shortly after this triumph, Oscar Alberto Ortiz retired from professional football.
4. International career
Oscar Alberto Ortiz's international career is most notably defined by his participation and victory in the 1978 FIFA World Cup with the Argentina national football team. His impressive form at River Plate earned him a call-up to the national squad for the tournament, which was hosted by Argentina.
Ortiz was an integral part of the Argentine team that progressed through the competition to reach the final. In the decisive match, Argentina faced the Netherlands at Estadio Monumental, River Plate's home stadium. Argentina emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, securing their first-ever FIFA World Cup title. The team was coached by César Luis Menotti and captained by Daniel Passarella.
5. Playing style
Oscar Alberto Ortiz played primarily as a winger, a role in which he showcased a distinctive and effective style. He emphasized that his primary objective on the field was not to score goals himself, but rather to disrupt and unbalance opposing defenses. His approach involved frequently driving to the byline and then delivering precise crosses or "centers" to his teammates who were in better scoring positions. This characteristic made him a valuable player for creating offensive opportunities and facilitating goal-scoring actions for his club and national teams.
6. Statistics
Oscar Alberto Ortiz's professional career statistics demonstrate his longevity and consistent presence on the field.
- Argentina (1975-1979): Games 23, Goals 3
- Argentine Primera (1971-1976 / 1977-1983): Games 317, Goals 32
7. Honours
Oscar Alberto Ortiz achieved considerable success throughout his career, winning multiple domestic league titles and the ultimate international prize with his national team.
7.1. Club honours
Ortiz secured numerous titles with various clubs:
- San Lorenzo
- Metropolitano championship: 1972
- Nacional championship: 1972, 1974
- River Plate
- Metropolitano championship: 1977, 1979, 1980
- Nacional championship: 1979
- Independiente
- Metropolitano championship: 1983
7.2. International honours
Ortiz's most significant international achievement came with the Argentina national team:
- Argentina
- FIFA World Cup: 1978