West Ham United new boy Pablo Fornals was in action for Spain in the European Under 21 Championships on Sunday night.
West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini made Fornals the second most expensive signing in the club’s history on Friday (whufc.com).
Hammers fans were excited to get a first glimpse of him in action when Spain took on Italy in the Euro 19 U21 tournament.
But West Ham supporters were left disappointed as Fornals had to settle for a place on the bench.
Fornals left out as Spain lose opener
He did make it on in the second half, though, with Spain 2-1 down.
And Fornals showed some neat touches without ever really getting into a game Italy bossed in the second period.
Indeed the West Ham new boy’s cameo was somewhat ironically ruined by Pellegrini.
Pellegrini ruins Pablo’s night
Not new manager Manuel, but Lorenzo of Roma.
The Italian star slotted home a penalty awarded retrospectively via VAR as Fornals launched a promising counter attack.
And just moments later Pellegrini scythed Fornals down cynically with a shocking challenge.
It was a moment that would have had watching West Ham fans’ hearts in their mouths.
But thankfully Fornals did not require treatment despite feeling his ankle for a few minutes afterwards.
But West Ham target Dani shines
One Spain player who did catch the eye was West Ham transfer target Dani Ceballos.
The Real Madrid outcast has been strongly linked with a move to East London (The Express).
And he ran the show in the first half, giving Spain a 1-0 lead with what will be one of the goals of the tournament.
Elsewhere on the international scene West Ham defender Fabian Balbuena started for Paraguay as they threw away a lead over guest team Qatar to draw 2-2 in their Copa America opener.
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