News
Spain criticised for picking Del Horno ahead of Pernia
5 May 2006
by Reuters
Getafe coach Bernd Schuster has criticised Spain's Luis Aragones for picking Chelsea left-back Asier Del Horno ahead of Mariano Pernia for next week's FIFA World Cup™ get-together.
"All Del Horno has done this year is kick Barcelona's Lionel Messi in the Champions League," Schuster told a news conference on Friday.
In February, Del Horno was shown a red card in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie against Barcelona for a late challenge on Messi.
Getafe's Argentine full-back Pernia secured dual nationality last week and after a good season in the Primera Division was expected to be given a chance in Spain's squad before the FIFA World Cup.
"Pernia has had a sensational season and scored ten goals but Aragones is the coach and he has to select a competitive side to try and win the World Cup," said Schuster. "It's a shame but there is still time for him to make it."
Aragones, who on Friday named a 27-man squad for Monday's get-together, must announce his 23-strong FIFA World Cup party by 15 May.
Spain's coat of arms

On Friday, Luis Aragones, coach of the Spanish national football team, announced the preliminary squad for the World Cup finals in Germany. The pick was criticised by Getafe coach Bernd Schuster.

The 27-man squad includes 7 players from the Premier League, among them Chelsea left-back Asier Del Horno. Schuster claims that Getafe full-back Mariano Pernia should have been picked instead. "All Del Horno has done this year is kick Barcelona's Lionel Messi in the Champions League," says Schuster, referring to Horno's red card in the Champions League game between Chelsea and Barcelona back in February.

Pernia, who was born in Argentina, has dual citizenship, and could play for Spain in the World Cup finals. According to Schuster, Pernia had a successful season in La Liga, scoring ten goals.

Aragones must announce his 23-man squad by May 15.