Matias Fernandez-Pardo: Belgian media react to Newcastle target's impact in New Zealand win

Matias Fernandez-Pardo's showing for Belgium against New Zealand has received contrasting reviews as he is linked with a move to Newcastle.

Belgium emerged with a 5-1 win against New Zealand in the early hours of Saturday morning to top Group G at the World Cup.

Leandro Trossard's brace put Rudi Garcia's side into the ascendancy, then Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers added strikes in the last half hour of the clash.

They will now face a third-placed side in the round of 32 next Wednesday, with Fernandez-Pardo primed to make an impact after impressing against the All Whites.

His performance from the bench in Vancouver has earned praise from Belgian media, while some were not impressed with his wasteful nature.

The 21-year-old is believed to be on Newcastle's radar as Eddie Howe aims to add to his attacking options this summer.

Magpies fans will surely be keen to know how their latest striker target got on as he was handed valuable minutes at the World Cup for the first time.

Belgian media have their say on Matias Fernandez-Pardo vs New Zealand

Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Newcastle are admirers of Fernandez-Pardo as it stands after his impressive season at Lille.

The 21-year-old forward stepped off the bench for Jeremy Doku in the 56th minute against New Zealand, after only previously being handed short cameos against Egypt and Iran.

He created four chances in his 38 minutes on the pitch, while he took two shots but missed a big chance, took seven touches in the opponents' box and won two of his three ground duels.

Belgian outlet RTBF Sport were unconvinced by his showing, as they gave him a rating of six and said: "No, this isn't the time we'll see Matias Fernandez-Pardo up front. And that might not be so surprising. Playing on the left wing, the Lille player squandered several opportunities.

"Was it nerves or a lack of chemistry? It's hard to say. For the first time, the newcomer didn't score any points."

HLN were more positive about his impact, as they wrote: "Fernandez-Pardo made a fresh impression on the flank and immediately provided depth in transition.”

Then Voetbal24 also felt he impressed, saying: "The substitute, Fernandez-Pardo, kept the play wide and provided extra threat on the wing.”

Which other clubs have been linked to Fernandez-Pardo?

Fernandez-Pardo registered eight goals and five assists in 29 Ligue 1 games last term, with five of those strikes coming in the last 10 matches of the season.

His switch to centre-forward caused an upturn in form in front of goal and fired Lille to Champions League qualification in third place.

Newcastle may well be interested in his services, but they are not the only club tracking his progress as it stands.

Reports have claimed that Aston Villa are also keen on him this summer, while Liverpool have been closely linked in recent months.

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have both also been linked with a move for Fernandez-Pardo.