Newcastle United forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo endured a frustrating finish to Belgium’s Nations League meeting with France after Michael Olise struck a late winner.
Fernandez-Pardo replaced Charles De Ketelaere in the 85th minute on Monday evening, with the match in Brussels still goalless.
Three minutes later, Olise scored the decisive goal to give France a 1-0 victory.
Fernandez-Pardo earns another Belgium appearance
Having started among Belgium’s substitutes against France, the Newcastle attacker received another brief opportunity at senior international level.
It followed his late involvement in Belgium’s 2-0 win over Italy on Friday.
This time, however, Belgium could not protect the result. UEFA’s match centre records Olise’s 88th-minute winner, which settled the contest shortly after Fernandez-Pardo entered the action.
The Newcastle forward had little time to influence proceedings, with Belgium suddenly needing an equaliser during the closing stages.
Further opportunities await Newcastle forward
Belgium next host Turkey on Friday, 2 October, before visiting France on Monday, 5 October.
Those fixtures offer Fernandez-Pardo further chances to build his international experience before returning to Newcastle.
For now, his involvement across the opening two matches has come from the bench. Earning a larger role is the next challenge, with Monday’s defeat leaving Belgium seeking a response in their remaining fixtures.
