The Argentinian-born 29-year-old was drafted in to the Spain squad following Asier del Horno's withdrawal with the ankle injury he suffered in training. Pernia recently obtained Spanish citizenship and is a left-sided defender who likes to get forward. He came through the youth team ranks at San Lorenzo before moving to Independiente but sealed a transfer to Spain when he was snapped up by Getafe in 2003 after a brief spell with Recreativo de Huelva. Pernia has enjoyed an impressive 2005-06 campaign and has been linked with a summer switch to either Valencia or Atletico Madrid.