Pernia will play finals for father who missed out 1978 World Cup

MADRID, Jun 2 (Reuters) Mariano Pernia has dedicated his call up to Spain's World Cup squad to his father Vicente who missed out on a place in Argentina's squad for the finals in 1978.

The Argentine-born left back, who gained dual-Spanish nationality at the end of April, was called in to replace the injured Asier del Horno by coach Luis Aragones today.

''My father is the happiest of everyone I know,'' Pernia told sports daily AS today.

''Unfortunately he missed out on the World Cup in 1978. I will be playing it for him because I know it is painful memory from his football career.'' Vicente Pernia was surprisingly omitted from the Argentina squad in 1978 when they went on to win the tournament on home turf with victory over Netherlands in the final.

''When they heard the news my parents were very emotional,'' Pernia added.

''They were very happy for me, wished me luck and told me they would be right behind Spain.'' The 29-year-old Getafe player, whom Atletico Madrid say they have signed for next season, has also had to postpone his wedding.

''My wife-to-be has mixed feelings about it because she was really looking forward to it but she is very pleased for me,'' Pernia said.

''We'll get married as soon as possible afterwards. It isn't really a big problem to postpone a wedding for a World Cup.'' He will join up with the squad later on Friday, after flying back from Argentina and could make his first appearance in a Spain shirt in the warm-up match against Egypt in Elche tomorrow.

REUTERS