Mariano Pernía

International career

Pernía's excellent form throughout 2005–06 made him a contender for international selection with both Argentina and Spain. Although born in Argentina, he was granted Spanish citizenship in May 2006.

Initially, national team boss Luis Aragonés opted not to pick Pernía for Spain's team in the 2006 FIFA World Cup – his reasoning was entirely legal and explained under current FIFA rules on squad selection. Asier del Horno was supposed to be first-choice leftback for the competition, but an ankle injury sustained in the build-up to the tournament saw Pernía controversially called up as his last-minute replacement after a personal call from the coach. In the last friendly before the tournament in Germany he made his debut against Croatia, and scored from a free-kick on 7 June 2006 in a match played in Geneva.

Surprisingly, Pernía came from third-choice to starter, and appeared in the final stages in group wins against Ukraine and Tunisia, and also in their round-of-16 loss to France.

International goals Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 7 June 2006 Stade de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland 1–1 2–1 Friendly

Motorsport career After retiring from football, like his father and brother Leonel, Mariano began to compete in motorsports. He has competed mainly in Turismo Nacional but also in TC2000 and Super TC2000.

Personal life Pernía had football in his family. He was the son of a famous Argentine player, Vicente Pernía (who was ironically left controversially out of the Argentine squad for the 1978 FIFA World Cup), to whom he dedicated his World Cup call-up to.

Pernía's mother was Olga, and he also had four brothers and a sister: his eldest brother, Gastón, played for the Orlando Sharks in the Major Indoor Soccer League. Another brother, Leonel, played for the Chicago Storm in the same competition and also raced cars in his country, competing in the World Touring Car Championship; his great-grandparents were also Spanish.

Pernía's daughter was already born in Spain. He was on holiday in Tandil with his family upon getting the call from Aragonés, and subsequently had to delay his 20 June wedding in order to play in the World Cup. He said of the call-up: "My wife's happy for me although a bit disappointed about having to postpone the wedding".

Honours Independiente Argentine Primera División: Apertura 2002

Recreativo Copa del Rey runner-up: 2002–03

Atlético Madrid UEFA Europa League: 2009–10 UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2007 Copa del Rey runner-up: 2009–10