Fernando Amorebieta
Encyclopedia
Fernando Gabriel Amorebieta Mardaras (born 29 March 1985 in Cantaura
, Anzoátegui
) is a Venezuela
n footballer who plays for Athletic Bilbao
as a central defender.
He played most of his professional career with Athletic Bilbao
, appearing in more 200 official games. Internationally, Amorebieta played for Spain at youth level
, but later decided to represent his country of birth
in senior international games.
eligibility standards, having been raised in the Basque Country
, and through his parents, both of whom are from the region. He made his first team debut in 2005–06
, becoming an undisputed first-choice in the subsequent La Liga
seasons.
Amorebieta played in a total of 47 official matches in 2009–10
, helping Athletic reach the round of 32 in the season's UEFA Europa League, as well as an 8th-place finish in the league; he collected 18 yellow cards in the process, being sent off
twice.
squad that won the UEFA European Football Championship
in 2004
. In August 2008, he was called up by new senior team
manager Vicente del Bosque
for a friendly against Denmark
, but did not leave the bench.
. However, according to FIFA
rules at the time, he should have switched his affiliation prior to the age of 21, having previously played for Spain's youth teams. FIFA removed the rule in 2009, and talks between the player and the Venezuelan Football Federation resumed.
Finally, on 2 September 2011, Amorebieta made his senior debut in a friendly with Argentina
, a 0–1 loss. On 11 October, against the same opponent, in the 2014 FIFA World Cup
qualifying campaign
, he scored in a 1–0 home win, which signified Venezuela's first-ever win against the Albiceleste in the tournament.
(a non-FIFA affiliate), debuting precisely against Venezuela, in San Cristóbal
on 20 June 2007. The friendly match, a 4–3 Basque win, was the grand opening for the 43,000 all-seated Pueblo Nuevo Stadium
, after two years of construction for the 2007 Copa América.
Spain U19
Pedro María Freites Municipality
The Pedro María Freites Municipality is one of the 21 municipalities that makes up the eastern Venezuelan state of Anzoátegui and, according to a 2007 population estimate by the National Institute of Statistics of Venezuela, the municipality has a population of 76,892. The town of Cantaura is the...
, Anzoátegui
Anzoátegui
Anzoátegui State , is one of the 23 component states of Venezuela, located in the northeastern region of the country. Anzoátegui is well known for its beautiful beaches that attract many visitors. Its coast consists of a single beach approximately 100 km long...
) is a Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
n footballer who plays for Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Club, also known as Athletic Bilbao, is an association football club from Bilbao in Biscay, Spain. The club has played in the Primera División of La Liga since its start in 1928. They have won La Liga on eight occasions...
as a central defender.
He played most of his professional career with Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Club, also known as Athletic Bilbao, is an association football club from Bilbao in Biscay, Spain. The club has played in the Primera División of La Liga since its start in 1928. They have won La Liga on eight occasions...
, appearing in more 200 official games. Internationally, Amorebieta played for Spain at youth level
Spain national youth football team
The Spain national under-16 football team represents Spain in international football at this age level and is controlled by Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain.-FIFA U-16 World Cup Championship Record:...
, but later decided to represent his country of birth
Venezuela national football team
The Venezuela national football team is the national football team of Venezuela and is controlled by the Federación Venezolana de Fútbol. It is nicknamed La Vinotinto , because of the traditional burgundy color of their shirts....
in senior international games.
Club career
Amorebieta met Athletic Bilbao'sAthletic Bilbao
Athletic Club, also known as Athletic Bilbao, is an association football club from Bilbao in Biscay, Spain. The club has played in the Primera División of La Liga since its start in 1928. They have won La Liga on eight occasions...
eligibility standards, having been raised in the Basque Country
Basque Country (autonomous community)
The Basque Country is an autonomous community of northern Spain. It includes the Basque provinces of Álava, Biscay and Gipuzkoa, also called Historical Territories....
, and through his parents, both of whom are from the region. He made his first team debut in 2005–06
2005–06 La Liga
* Athletic Bilbao* Atlético Madrid* FC Barcelona* Betis* Cádiz CF* Celta de Vigo* Deportivo Alaves* Deportivo de La Coruña* Espanyol* Getafe CF* Málaga CF* RCD Mallorca* CA Osasuna* Racing de Santander* Real Madrid* Real Sociedad* Sevilla FC...
, becoming an undisputed first-choice in the subsequent La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
seasons.
Amorebieta played in a total of 47 official matches in 2009–10
2009–10 La Liga
- Personnel and sponsoring :- Before the start of the season :- During the season :-League table:||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|...
, helping Athletic reach the round of 32 in the season's UEFA Europa League, as well as an 8th-place finish in the league; he collected 18 yellow cards in the process, being sent off
Ejection (sports)
In sports, an ejection is one of several disqualifying actions assessed to a player or coach by a game official , usually for unsportsmanlike conduct....
twice.
Spain
Amorebieta was part of the Spanish U19Spain national under-19 football team
The Spain national under-19 football team represents Spain in international football at this age level and is controlled by Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain.-UEFA European Under-19 Championship Record:...
squad that won the UEFA European Football Championship
UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
The European Under 19 Football Championship is an annual football competition organised by the sport's European governing body, UEFA. The competition has been held since 1948. It was originally called the FIFA junior tournament, until it was taken over by UEFA in 1955...
in 2004
2004 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
The 2004 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship was held in Switzerland from 13 to 24 July 2004. Players born after 1 January 1985 can participate in this competition...
. In August 2008, he was called up by new senior team
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
manager Vicente del Bosque
Vicente Del Bosque
Vicente del Bosque González, 1st Marquis of Del Bosque is a former Spanish footballer He is currently the manager of the Spanish national football team. After taking over from Luis Aragonés who had led Spain to European success in Euro 2008, Del Bosque went on to manage the national team to the...
for a friendly against Denmark
Denmark national football team
The Denmark national football team represents Denmark in association football and is controlled by the Danish Football Association , the governing body for the football clubs which are organized under DBU...
, but did not leave the bench.
Venezuela
In late 2006, Amorebieta expressed his interest in playing for the Venezuelan national teamVenezuela national football team
The Venezuela national football team is the national football team of Venezuela and is controlled by the Federación Venezolana de Fútbol. It is nicknamed La Vinotinto , because of the traditional burgundy color of their shirts....
. However, according to FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
rules at the time, he should have switched his affiliation prior to the age of 21, having previously played for Spain's youth teams. FIFA removed the rule in 2009, and talks between the player and the Venezuelan Football Federation resumed.
Finally, on 2 September 2011, Amorebieta made his senior debut in a friendly with Argentina
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
, a 0–1 loss. On 11 October, against the same opponent, in the 2014 FIFA World Cup
2014 FIFA World Cup
The 2014 FIFA World Cup will be the 20th FIFA World Cup, an international association football tournament that will take place in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July 2014....
qualifying campaign
2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)
The South American Zone of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification sees nine teams competing for places in the finals which are to be held in Brazil.-Format:The format for CONMEBOL's 2014 World Cup qualifying tournament is identical to the previous four editions...
, he scored in a 1–0 home win, which signified Venezuela's first-ever win against the Albiceleste in the tournament.
Basque Country
Amorebieta also played for the Basque Country national teamBasque Country national football team
The Basque Country football team is considered the national team of the Basque Country greater region as selected players from the Basque Country Autonomous Community, the nearby Navarre and the Northern Basque Country in France play for it...
(a non-FIFA affiliate), debuting precisely against Venezuela, in San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal, Táchira
San Cristóbal is the capital city of the Venezuelan state of Táchira. It is located in a mountainous region of Western Venezuela. The city is situated 818 m/2,625 ft above sea level in the northern Andes overlooking the Torbes River, 56 km/35 mi from the Colombian border. San...
on 20 June 2007. The friendly match, a 4–3 Basque win, was the grand opening for the 43,000 all-seated Pueblo Nuevo Stadium
Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo
Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo is a multi-purpose stadium in San Cristóbal, Venezuela. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of Deportivo Táchira Fútbol Club. The stadium holds 38,755 people...
, after two years of construction for the 2007 Copa América.
International goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 11 October 2011 | Estadio José Antonio Anzoátegui, Puerto La Cruz Puerto la Cruz Puerto la Cruz is a port city located in Anzoátegui State, in Venezuela. It is the seat of the Juan Antonio Sotillo Municipality. The city has road connections to the state capital, Barcelona, to Lecheria and to Guanta, and has the potential to become the largest and most important metropolitan... , Venezuela Venezuela Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south... |
1–0 | 1–0 | 2014 World Cup qualification 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) The South American Zone of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification sees nine teams competing for places in the finals which are to be held in Brazil.-Format:The format for CONMEBOL's 2014 World Cup qualifying tournament is identical to the previous four editions... |
Honours
Athletic Bilbao- Spanish CupCopa del ReyThe Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
: Runner-up 2008–09 - Spanish SupercupSupercopa de EspañaThe Supercopa de España is a Spanish football championship contested by the winners of La Liga and the Copa del Rey...
: Runner-up 20092009 Supercopa de EspañaThe 2009 Supercopa de España was two-legged Spanish football match-up played on 16 August and 23 August 2009. It was contested by Athletic Bilbao, the 2008–09 Copa del Rey runners-up, and FC Barcelona, the 2008–09 Primera División Winners....
Spain U19
- UEFA U-19 ChampionshipUEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipThe European Under 19 Football Championship is an annual football competition organised by the sport's European governing body, UEFA. The competition has been held since 1948. It was originally called the FIFA junior tournament, until it was taken over by UEFA in 1955...
: 20042004 UEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipThe 2004 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship was held in Switzerland from 13 to 24 July 2004. Players born after 1 January 1985 can participate in this competition...