As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Barcelona wing-back Alejandro Balde makes Spain debut

Barcelona wing-back Alejandro Balde made his Spain debut in their World Cup rout of Costa Rica.

Balde, 19, was a late addition to the squad after Jose Luis Gaya was injured and came on for Jordi Alba in the 64th minute of the win in Qatar.

As recently as Friday, he was expecting to be involved with Spain U21s -- now he has made his debut in the biggest competition in the game.

Balde is one of eight Barca Spain players at the World Cup. Five started the game -- Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Gavi, Pedri and Ferran Torres -- and Balde came on, but Eric Garcia and Ansu Fati remained unused substitutes.

Video of the day:

Carlos Volcano
About the author

Carlos Volcano

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free