Only 17 Years Old, Gavi Is In the Spotlight In the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers

DBasia.news – The Spanish national team is one step closer to securing a ticket to the 2022 World Cup group stage. In the ninth match of the 2022 World Cup Qualification group in the European Zone, Spain won 1-0 over Greece.

Playing at the Athens Olympic Stadium, Friday (12/11), Brazil won 1-0 from a penalty goal from Pablo Sarabia in the 26th minute. Spain dominated with 73 percent of possession, but struggled to dismantle Greece’s tight defense.

Spain in the next match will be against Sweden (15/11) and can confirm tickets for the 2022 World Cup in that match. Luis Enrique knows this and is eyeing a win against Sweden who are currently second in Group J.

“Of course I think we will take our place in the World Cup on Sunday (against Sweden). I already believed in it when we were second,” said Enrique as quoted by Marca.

“We will play against a good rival who in theory will attack more, but we will be after a win, not a draw. live pressure. On Sunday we will come out to win. We will play the same, pressing and attacking.”

“Today I am happy. Happy for all players. But there is no room for relaxation. In a situation like this, winning is good. We focused on our game and it was difficult. We deserved to win and the team has been good.”

“It was a controlled game. They had almost no chances. We neutralized their attacks. But we didn’t take advantage of some of the chances we had, and the start of the second half was a little off.”

Gavi Looks Impressive

Among the players Enrique used and played in that match, Barcelona’s 17-year-old midfielder Gavi made another impressive appearance. That became the third cap for the La Masia product.

As with the previous two matches in the UEFA Nations League, Gavi performed well in controlling La Furia Roja’s midfield in building attacks and defensive phases.

From the data on Sofascore Gavi released 43 passes for Spain and 43 successful attempts all reached the feet of his teammates. The percentage of Gavi’s successful passes reached 100 percent, and completed three passes, and won six ball battles.

Gavi was substituted in the second half due to a facial injury due to a duel with Greece’s Andreas Bouchalakis. But Enrique said his condition and Gavi were not expected to be seriously injured.

“He (Gavi) is a strong player, a monster. The blow (in Gavi’s face) is not a big thing to worry about, he is fine,” explained Enrique about Gavi’s condition.