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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Senior BJP leaders meet Fadnavis after Mahayuti's landslide win
Mumbai (PTI): BJP national joint general secretary Shiv Prakash and Maharashtra unit head Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Sunday met Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his residence here on Sunday.
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance on Saturday retained power in Maharashtra, pocketing a whopping 230 of the 288 assembly seats.
The focus has now shifted to BJP leader Fadnavis, the architect of his party’s stunning victory as it bagged 132 of the 149 seats it contested in the state.
Political circles are abuzz with reports that the state’s second Brahmin to become the CM will don the post for the third time.
On Sunday, BJP leaders Shiv Prakash and Bawankule arrived at Fadnavis' 'Sagar' bungalow in the Malabar Hill area here to meet him.
The tenure of the current state assembly ends on Tuesday, which has also necessitated meetings among leaders of the ruling allies to finalise the name for the chief minister's post.
