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World Cup boost for Belgium as striker U-turns on decision to represent Spain
TL;DR
Belgium's World Cup hopes receive a boost as striker Matias Fernandez-Pardo decides to represent the Red Devils instead of Spain. The Lille player has been in excellent form, scoring eight goals this season.
Key points
- Matias Fernandez-Pardo will represent Belgium instead of Spain.
- He has scored eight goals and provided six assists this season for Lille.
- Belgium faces injury concerns with Romelu Lukaku ahead of the World Cup.
Matias Fernandez-PardoBelgiumSpainLille
World Cup boost for Belgium as striker U-turns on decision to represent Spain
Belgium have been handed a huge boost ahead of the World Cup with the news that Matias Fernandez-Pardo will represent the Red Devils instead of Spain. The Lille striker decided a few years ago to represent Spain instead of Belgium, but has since been convinced to change his mind. Now, it appears that Fernandez-Pardo will be part of the Red Devils squad going to the World Cup.
The now 21-year-old came through the Gent academy and made his senior debut as a teenager in 2023. He went on to play 28 games for the Buffaloes, scoring 10 goals. His strong 2023/2024 season, in which he scored eight goals and provided two assists in 19 games, attracted Ligue 1 side Lille. The French side picked him up and he scored four goals in his debut season.
In recent months, Fernandez-Pardo has been in fantastic form for Lille. He has scored eight goals and provided six assists in 40 games this season, with five of those coming since March. For Belgium, it is a major boost to have an inform striker going into the World Cup, especially with the injury concerns surrounding the sides record goal scorer Romelu Lukaku. Belgium have struggled without Lukaku in previous tournaments, and with the striker into his 30s, it is time for the Red Devils to find a successor. Perhaps, Fernandez-Pardo could be that player.
Q&A
Why did Matias Fernandez-Pardo change his decision from Spain to Belgium?
Matias Fernandez-Pardo was convinced to switch his allegiance to Belgium after initially deciding to represent Spain.
What impact will Fernandez-Pardo's decision have on Belgium's World Cup squad?
Fernandez-Pardo's inclusion provides Belgium with an in-form striker, crucial amid injury concerns for their record goal scorer, Romelu Lukaku.
How has Matias Fernandez-Pardo performed this season for Lille?
This season, Fernandez-Pardo has scored eight goals and provided six assists in 40 games for Lille.