World Cup

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World Cup | Group Stage

Nov 23, 2022 at 4pm UK

Spain
7 - 0
Costa Rica

Olmo (11'), Asensio (21'), Torres (31' pen., 54'), Gavi (74'), Soler (90'), Morata (90+2')

FT(HT: 3-0)

Calvo (68'), Campbell (90+7')

Gavi makes World Cup history in Spain's thumping win over Costa Rica

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 24 November 2022

Spain and Barcelona starlet Gavi makes World Cup history after scoring in the 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica in La Roja's opening Group E fixture on Wednesday.

Spain and Barcelona starlet Gavi has made World Cup history after scoring in the 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica in La Roja's opening Group E fixture on Wednesday.

The midfielder received his 14th senior international cap after being named in Luis Enrique's starting lineup for their first encounter in Qatar at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Spain raced into a three-goal lead within the first 31 minutes courtesy of strikes from Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio and Ferran Torres, before the latter netted his second of the night nine minutes after half time.

Then came a historic strike in the 74th minute from teenage prodigy Gavi, who placed a stunning half-volley with the outside of his right boot in off the post after receiving a perfectly flighted delivery from Alvaro Morata.

Morata himself also got in on the act, netting Spain's seventh goal of the night in stoppage time shortly after Carlos Soler got his name on the scoresheet.

What. A. Goal. 🔥

Gavi becomes Spain's youngest goalscorer at a World Cup finals with this absolute stunner!! 🇪🇸🚀#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/SiscLFR16O
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 23, 2022

At the age of 18 years and 110 days, Gavi has not only become Spain's youngest-ever player at a major tournament, he has also become the country's youngest-ever goalscorer at the World Cup.

The teenager has surpassed the previous record set by former Real Madrid midfielder Pirri, who found the net at the age of 21 years and 124 days for La Roja against Argentina back in 1966.

Gavi has also become the youngest scorer at the World Cup for 64 years since Brazilian icon Pele – aged 17 years and 249 days – scored twice in the 1958 final against Sweden.

The Barcelona academy graduate was already Spain's youngest-ever goalscorer on the international stage after netting in the 2-2 draw against Czech Republic in the UEFA Nations League in June at the age of just 17 years and 304 days.

Asked by reporters after the game about how good Gavi can become in the future, Enrique said: "I don't know, I hope every time he keeps playing better and trying to be aggressive with the ball and without the ball.

Spain's Gavi celebrates scoring their fifth goal with Dani Olmo and Alvaro Morata on November 23, 2022 © Reuters

"He's a unique player, he's only 18 but he has the personality of an experienced player and it's a pleasure to play with a boy who needs only a little bit of pause and calm a times.

"We are very happy to have him in the team and I think he's going to be one of the stars of world football."

Gavi had already announced himself on the European stage under the tutelage of Xavi at Barcelona, winning the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy awards earlier this year following a number of impressive performances at Camp Nou.

The teenager has now stepped up on the global stage and he will be looking to keep his place in Enrique's starting lineup on Sunday when Spain take on four-time world champions Germany, who suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Japan in their opening Group E fixture.