Victor Cristaldo

Victor Cristaldo (born 10 May 1967) is a former professional soccer player who played as a midfielder and works as a coach.

In 1985 and 1986, Cristaldo played for Melbourne Knights in the National Soccer League. He then passed five seasons in the Primera División Paraguaya from 1993 to 1997. In this task, he featured for Club Presidente Hayes and Club Sport Colombia,

Club career

Leicester City In 1984, Cristaldo played for Leicester City for three months, scoring 12 goals in 15 games for the club's reserve and youth teams. In 1986, whilst playing for Melbourne Knights, he was called up to the Argentine Air Force.

Presidente Hayes In 1993, Cristaldo joined Primera División Paraguaya club Presidente Hayes in the city of Asunción. he told Australian newspaper The Age "It's like a dream come true. But financially, it's just not possible". His wages in Paraguay were more than three times higher than they were in Australia and the cost of living in Paraguay was much lower. He and his wife, Cynthia, bought a house and the club supplied them with a car.

Sport Colombia In 1996, Cristaldo passed to Club Sport Colombia for the 1996 Primera División season, as Sport Colombia finished fourth in the Torneo Clausura. He remained there until 1997, which was when future national team player Nelson Cuevas debuted for the club.

International career Cristaldo represented the Australia U-20 national team. In 1993, Cristaldo hoped that his success in Paraguay would prompt Australia's national team coach, Eddie Thomson, to consider adding him to the squad. He has had roles at a number of clubs including Monash City and Sunshine George Cross.

Personal life Cristaldo is the father of Paraguayan-born Australian footballer Christopher who appeared for the Australia U-20 national team, Melbourne Victory in the A-League and Nacional Asunción in the Primera División Paraguaya.