AL THUMAMA, Qatar – Spain midfielder Gavi grew to become the third-youngest objective scorer in World Cup historical past, and youngest since Brazil legend Pele in 1958, together with his 74th-minute strike in a 7-0 win in opposition to Costa Rica on Wednesday.
When he stepped on the sector to begin the sport, the Barcelona prodigy additionally grew to become the youngest participant (18 years, 110 days) to ever seem for Spain in a serious worldwide event (World Cup or European Championship).
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“I never dreamed to be here at this age,” stated Gavi, by way of an interpreter. “I’m so happy to be here. This is only one step. I need to keep going.
Pele was aged 17 years, 249 days when he scored in Brazil’s 1958 World Cup final win over Sweden. He holds the record for the youngest ever scorer in a World Cup when scoring 10 days earlier in the quarterfinals.
Mexico’s Manuel Rosas is the second-youngest scorer, aged 18 years and 93 days when finding the net in the inaugural 1930 tournament.
Spain led 4-0 when a driving run from Alejandro Balde pierced the Costa Rica protection and after goalkeeper Keylor Navas‘ partial clearance, Alvaro Morata found Gavi on a late-arriving run.
The teenager struck it with the outside of his right boot and it deflected in off the right post in what was one of the most impressive displays of skill in the tournament so far.
His overall contribution earned him FIFA´s player of the match award.
¡NO HAY QUINTO MALO!
Ahora fue el turno de Gavi y esto ya es goleada de #ESP sobre #CRC
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“It was a terrific recreation. We began from the primary minute to win this recreation and I am actually completely satisfied,” Gavi said. “Now I am ready for the subsequent one. I am actually completely satisfied to win MVP however as we speak all of us did a very nice recreation and I am actually completely satisfied 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 in that podium.”
It was a traditionally dominant win for Spain, who did not permit a single shot and recorded probably the most passes (1,043) and highest possession share (81.3) in a World Cup match since a minimum of 1966.
Numerous that was dictated by a midfield that includes two youngsters, with Gavi’s Barcelona teammate Pedri beginning subsequent to him in entrance of Sergio Busquets.
“We controlled the game throughout, which was our first objective,” Spain coach Luis Enrique stated. “We were exceptional in possession of the ball, exceptional in our finishing.
“All 16 gamers have been glorious however we nonetheless have room to enhance. I do not know who will play [against Germany on Sunday]. I do not suppose I’ve ever repeated a beginning 11.”
Spain’s victory was the most lopsided win at a World Cup since Portugal beat North Korea 7-0 in 2010.
Data from the Related Press was used on this report.