The Football World Cup Site

2010 World Cup countdown continues with news of a pending nationality shift. Although, Lucas Barrios was born in Argentina, he has never been picked to play for his native country. Now after months of deliberation, he has decided to look elsewhere for caps.

The last couple of years have been frustrating times for the Borussia Dortmund striker who last week received a Paraguayan passport as a result of his mother’s nationality. Now it looks likely that he will turn his back on Argentina and opt to play for Paraguay in the 2010 World Cup. Although no formal decision has yet been made by Barrios, the chance of fulfilling a dream and playing in the World Cup could be a deciding factor in his decision.
Barrios is quoted as telling Focus “I am very happy and proud that I now also own a Paraguayan passport. It is the land of my mother, who gave me life,”

The player’s international future is still undecided and Borussia Dortmund has said “He has assured us that there has been no contact with the Football Association of Paraguay or the coach. They will probably contact us in the coming weeks. And I think Lucas wants that.”

According to sources close to Barrios, he does not see a future with Argentina and has been overlooked on numerous occasions. The cap less player may therefore be ready to join team-mate Nelson Valdez with the Paraguayan squad.

Tags: 2010 World Cup, argentina, lucas barrios, paraguay