Euro 2024: Gavi Suffers Knee Injury In Spain’s 3-1 Win Over Georgia

2 min read

Spain beat Georgia 3-1 in their final Euro 2024 qualifying Group A match on Sunday in a bitter-sweet victory for the hosts after midfielder Gavi suffered a knee injury.

Spain, already assured of top spot, finished with 21 points after seven wins in eight matches, having lost only to second-placed Scotland, who had also already qualified for the finals and ended with 17 points after a 3-3 draw with Norway.

Georgia finished fourth with eight points, three behind Norway in third, while Cyprus were bottom without a point.

But for Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, it was the most bitter victory of his career after 19-year-old Gavi, who plays for Barcelona, left the pitch in tears during the first half while grabbing his knee in pain.

“It is a very difficult moment for Gavi, Barcelona, the national team and for me, it seems as if we have lost the game,” De la Fuente told a news conference

“This is the ugly part of football. I am very sorry. Let’s wait for the tests to confirm the extent of the injury. This is the most bitter victory I have ever experienced in my life,” he added.

Spain grabbed the lead in the fourth minute after a free kick from Ferran Torres on the left was headed home by Robin Le Normand for his first international goal.

Georgia levelled six minutes later following a quick break and simple finish from forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before Gavi was injured in a collision with an opponent.

“We can’t celebrate as we would have liked. Gavi’s injury is a hard blow, I’m really gutted,” said Le Normand. “It wasn’t my best game with the national team, there are things to improve”.

See also  AFCON 2023 To Air In 180 Countries As CAF Wraps Up Global Broadcast Deals

The hosts restored their lead 10 minutes into the second half with a header from Torres, who celebrated by holding up the number nine jersey of his Barca team mate Gavi.

Georgia’s Luka Lochoshvili put the ball in his own net in the 72nd minute to seal the Spaniards’ win.

“An important victory to end on a good note, but we leave with a bittersweet feeling because of Gavi’s injury,” said Torres.

“We don’t know the extent of the injury, but knowing how much of a warrior Gavi is, we think it could be serious.”

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
asisat-oshoala-launches-football-academy-in-lagos

Asisat Oshoala, four-time African Footballer of the Year and FC Barcelona Femení star, has announced the launch of the ‘Asisat Read more

Neymar Surpasses Pele’s Record To Become Brazil’s All-time Highest Goal Scorer

In a riveting 2026 World Cup qualifying match, Neymar Jr, the dynamic forward of Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, etched Read more

Federal Govt Congratulates Osimhen, Oshoala For 2023 Ballon D’ Or Nomination

The Federal Government has congratulated Nigerian duo of Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala for clinching the nomination for 2023 Ballon Read more

Spain vs Georgia 7-1: Key Moments and Goals

16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who had already become his country’s youngest international, came off the bench to set a new record Read more

You May Also Like

More From Author

+ There are no comments

Add yours