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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India proposes preferential trade agreement with Mexico to deal with high tariffs
New Delhi (PTI): India has proposed a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Mexico to help domestic exporters deal with the steep tariffs announced by the South American country, a top government official said on Monday.
Mexico has decided to impose steep import tariffs - ranging from about 5 per cent to as high as 50 per cent on a wide range of goods (about 1,463 tariff lines) from countries that do not have free trade agreements with Mexico, including India, China, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said that India has engaged with the country on the issue.
"Technical level talks are on...The only fast way forward is to try to get a preferential trade agreement (PTA) because an FTA (free trade agreement) will take a lot of time. So we are trying to see what can be a good way forward," he told reporters here.
While in an FTA two trading partners either significantly reduce or eliminate import duties on maximum number of goods traded between them, in a PTA, duties are cut or removed on a limited number of products.
Trading partners of Mexico cannot file a compliant against the decision on imposing high tariffs as they are WTO (World Trade Organisation) compatible.
The duties are within their bound rates, he said, adding that their primary target was not India.
"We have proposed a PTA because its a WTO-compatible way forward... we can do a PTA and try to get concessions that are required for Indian supply chains and similarly offer them concessions where they have export interests in India," Agrawal said.
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Citing support for local production and correction of trade imbalances, Mexico has approved an increase in MFN (most favoured nation) import tariffs (5-50 per cent) with effect from January 1, 2026 on 1,455 tariff lines (or product categories) within the WTO framework, targeting non-FTA partners.
Preliminary estimates suggest that this affects India's around USD 2 billion exports to Mexico particularly -- automobile, two-wheelers, auto parts, textiles, iron and steel, plastics, leather and footwear.
The measure is also aimed at curbing Chinese imports.
India-Mexico merchandise trade totalled USD 8.74 billion in 2024, with exports USD 5.73 billion, imports USD 3.01 billion, and a trade surplus of USD 2.72 billion.
The government has been continuously and comprehensively assessing Mexico's tariff revisions since the issue emerged, engaging stakeholders, safeguarding the interests of Indian exporters, and pursuing constructive dialogue to ensure a stable trade environment benefiting businesses and consumers in both countries.
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Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Director General Ajay Sahai has said that Mexico's decision is a matter of concern, particularly for sectors like automobiles and auto components, machinery, electrical and electronics, organic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and plastics.
"Such steep duties will erode our competitiveness and risk, disrupting supply chains that have taken years to develop," Sahai said, adding that this development also underlines the little urgency for India and Mexico to fast-track a comprehensive trade agreement.
Domestic auto component manufacturers will face enhanced cost pressures with Mexico hiking duties on Indian imports, according to industry body ACMA.
