Short International Careers, Part Sixteen

1- Brian Talbot

English midfielder Brian Talbot made his name in the 1970s at Ipswich Town under Bobby Robson as Manager and then joined Arsenal into the 80s.

 He managed only six caps for his Nation spread between four years (1977 thru 1980).

Photo From: World Soccer, November 1981 

(Brian Talbot at Arsenal)

2- Hubert Cordiez

Belgian striker Hubert Cordiez had his best spell at RWD Molenbeek in the late 70s.

He was able to earn a solitary cap (December 21, 1977, Belgium 0-Italy 1) in a match where he was substituted in the 65^th minute.

Belgium Manager Guy Thys did not call him up afterwards.

Photo From: Foot Magazine, Issue 54, February 1986

(Hubert Cordiez at Ghent, 1985/86)

3- Juanito –Juan Francisco Rodriguez

Spanish central defender Juan Francisco Rodriguez ‘Juanito’ (not to be confused with the Real Madrid forward) made his breakthrough at Real Zaragoza in the late 80s. He earned his first cap under Luis Suarez in a World Cup qualifier on November 15, 1989 at Sevilla (Spain 4-Hungary 0). He scored on his debut, scoring Spain’s third goal.

The following season he moved to Atletico Madrid. He played in Luis Suarez’s last three matches in charge of Spain in early 1991 (for a total of 5 caps).

After Suarez’s dismissal Juanito was not called up again by his successors.

Photo From: AS Color, Issue 309, January 12, 1992

(Juanito –Juan Francisco Rodriguez at Atletico Madrid, 1991/92)

4- Manfred Schwabl

West German midfielder Manfred Schwabl started at Bayern Munich but was shortly thereafter transferred to Nuremberg in 1986.

It was there that he was at his best and helped his squad achieve UEFA Cup qualification. He caught the eye of Franz Beckenbauer and was capped four times between 1987 and 1988.

He was unable to gain more caps despite a return to Bayern Munich in 1989.

Photo From: Fussball Magazin, Issue 11, November 1988

(Manfred Schwabl)

5- David Bisconti

Argentina midfielder David Bisconti stood out at Rosario Central in the late 80s and early 90s.

When Alfio Basile was named as Argentina Manager, he selected Bisconti in his first five matches in charge, however, he lost interest afterwards and Bisconti was not called up again.

Photo From: Don Balon, Edicion Chile, Issue 254, April 15-21, 1997

(David Bisconti at Yokohoma Marinos)