18-year-old Spain midfielder Gavi becomes third-youngest goal scorer in World Cup history
Qatar: Pablo Paez Gavira, the 18-year-and-110-days-old Spain midfielder became the third-youngest goal scorer in World Cup history with his 74th-minute strike securing a 7-0 win against Costa Rica on Wednesday at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
Barcelona prodigy Gavi, who also became the youngest player to appear for Spain in a major international tournament (World Cup or European Championship), spoke through an interpreter and said, "I never dreamed to be here at this age. I'm so happy to be here. This is only one step. I need to keep going."
Brazil legend Pele, who holds the record for the youngest to score in a World Cup was aged 17 years, and 249 days when he scored in Brazil's 1958 World Cup final win over Sweden. Mexico's Manuel Rosas is the second-youngest scorer, aged 18 years and 93 days when he scored during the inaugural 1930 tournament.
Spain vs Costa Rica Highlights
Spain led 4-0 when a driving run from Alejandro Balde pierced the Costa Rica defense and after goalkeeper Keylor Navas' partial clearance, Alvaro Morata found Gavi on a late-arriving run.
In what can be determined as one of the most impressive displays of skill in the tournament so far, the teenage midfielder struck it with the outside of his right boot as it deflected in off the right post.
In this historically dominant win for Spain, the Spanish team didn't allow a single shot and recorded the most passes (1,043) and highest possession percentage (81.3) in a World Cup match since at least 1966. The decisive march towards football victory in this match was largely dictated by a midfield featuring two teenagers, with Gavi's Barcelona teammate Pedri starting next to him in front of Sergio Busquets.
Spain coach Luis Enrique said, “We controlled the game throughout, which was our first objective. We were exceptional in possession of the ball, exceptional in our finishing”, he beamed.
Gavi who won FIFA's player of the match award said, “It was a great game. We started from the first minute to win this game and I'm really happy. Now I'm waiting for the next one. I'm really happy to win MVP but today we all did a really great game and I'm really happy for all of them.”
"I know I'm the youngest in the team and I respect everyone, but on the field it's different and I bring out my best. I'm proud to be on that podium. All 16 players were excellent but we still have room to improve. I don't know who will play [against Germany on Sunday]. I don't think I've ever repeated a starting 11”, he expressed.
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Hope PM Modi mentions genocide in Gaza while addressing Knesset: Priyanka
New Delhi (PTI): Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday hoped Prime Minister Narendra Modi would mention the genocide in Gaza while addressing the Israeli Parliament and demand justice for them.
The Congress MP from Wayanad said India must continue to show the light of truth, peace and justice to the world.
Her remarks came ahead of Modi's departure for Israel on a two-day visit, during which he is set to hold talks with the top leadership there and address the Knesset (Israeli parliament).
In a post on X, Gandhi said, "I hope that the Hon Prime Minister @narendramodi ji mentions the genocide of thousands of innocent men, women and children in Gaza while addressing the Knesset on his upcoming trip to Israel and demands justice for them."
She asserted, "India has stood for what is right throughout our history as an independent nation, we must continue to show the light of truth, peace and justice to the world."
Modi's visit begins on Wednesday to shore up bilateral defence and trade cooperation between the two countries. It will be Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years.
The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of a strategic partnership during Modi's first visit to that country in July 2017.
The Congress on Tuesday alleged that the government has abandoned the Palestinians and said the prime minister was going to Israel despite that country's attacks on civilians in Gaza continue "mercilessly".
The party's general secretary in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh, said the Modi government makes cynical and hypocritical statements on its commitment to the cause of the Palestinians, but, in reality, it has abandoned them.
