Luis Islas Former Argentine footballer, goalkeeper Date of Birth: 22.12.1965 Country: Argentina

1. Biography of Luis Islas
2. Early Career and International Success
3. World Cup 1986 and International Return
4. Success and Decline
5. Coaching Career

Biography of Luis Islas

Luis Islas is a former Argentine footballer who played as a goalkeeper and was a member of the Argentine national team that won the World Cup in 1986. He gained the most recognition for his performances with the clubs "Independiente" and "Estudiantes", although he played for a total of 12 teams in Argentina, Spain, and Mexico throughout his career.

Early Career and International Success

Islas began his goalkeeper career at "Chacarita Juniors" in the early 1980s. He later became the goalkeeper for the Argentine youth team, which finished second in the 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship. He earned the nickname "El Loco" ("The Crazy One") due to his talent and character.

In late 1982, Islas moved to "Estudiantes" after the club sold their goalkeeper Juan Carlos Delmenico. He competed with Carlos Bertero for a place in the starting lineup. With "Estudiantes", he won the National Championship in 1983.

World Cup 1986 and International Return

Islas served as a backup goalkeeper during the 1986 World Cup, which Argentina won. Disappointed by being a substitute for Nery Pumpido, Islas left the national team just before the 1990 World Cup. However, Pumpido got injured during the second match of the tournament, and the third goalkeeper, Sergio Goycochea, became the starting goalkeeper. Goycochea was recognized as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

After the 1990 World Cup, Islas returned to the national team under the guidance of Alfio Basile. Due to Goycochea's poor performances in the qualification for the 1994 World Cup, Islas became the starting goalkeeper for the Argentine team.

Success and Decline

The early 1990s were successful for Islas. He became a leader for "Independiente" and won the Argentine Championship, the Copa Libertadores, and the Recopa with the team. He also won the Copa America in 1993 with the national team, the last victory for Argentina in the tournament to this day.

However, his performance in the 1994 World Cup was not satisfactory as he conceded six goals in four matches, including three goals against Romania, resulting in Argentina's elimination in the Round of 16. The team's unsuccessful performance was influenced primarily by the doping scandal involving Diego Maradona, who was subsequently disqualified.

In the late 1990s, Islas' career began to decline as he frequently changed clubs that did not have the same level of ambition as Estudiantes and Independiente. He retired after playing his last eight matches for Independiente in 2003, accumulating a total of 241 appearances for the club.

Coaching Career

In 2006, Islas started his coaching career. His first club in this role was "Almagro" in Buenos Aires from November 2006 to May 2007. He then went to Bolivia, where he coached "Aurora". In September 2007, he resigned after an incident involving player Emiliano Cappella.