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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Delhi: NRI charged Rs 10,000 for wheelchair at railway station, porter's licence cancelled
New Delhi: The licence of a porter at Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station was cancelled after he charged an exorbitant amount of Rs 10,000 from an NRI passenger, a senior citizen, for wheelchair services and assistance with luggage.
The incident came to light when the passenger's daughter, Payel, filed a complaint with the Railways after learning that wheelchair assistance at the station is supposed to be free. The Railways identified the porter through CCTV footage and asked him to return Rs 9,000 to the family.
Northern Railways stated that the porter's badge had been withdrawn, emphasising that it has a strict "zero-tolerance policy" regarding such malpractices.
The divisional railway manager condemned the porter's actions, stressing that incidents like these damage the image of the Railways and weakens passenger trust. He also assured that stringent actions would be taken against those found guilty of exploiting passengers. He further added that they were committed to providing a safe and convenient journey for its passengers.
The railway administration appealed to all passengers to immediately contact the helpline number 139 if they encounter any kind of problems during their journey.
