Spain Secures Euro 2024 Qualification but Faces Setback with Gavi’s Injury
In their final Euro 2024 qualifying Group A match, Spain secured a 3-1 victory against Georgia, concluding their campaign at the top of the group with 21 points. While the win solidifies Spain’s position, the celebration is marred by a significant setback—midfielder Gavi suffered a knee injury during the match.
Group A Standings
Spain, having already secured the top spot, demonstrated their dominance in the group with seven wins in eight matches. The only defeat came at the hands of second-placed Scotland, who also qualified for the finals with 17 points. Georgia finished fourth with eight points, while Cyprus occupied the bottom spot without a point.
Bitter Blow for Gavi and Spain
The victory took a somber turn for Spain coach Luis de la Fuente as Gavi, the 19-year-old Barcelona player, left the pitch in tears with a knee injury during the first half. De la Fuente expressed his concern, stating, “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.”
Match Highlights
Spain took the lead in the fourth minute with a goal from Robin Le Normand, marking his first international goal. Georgia swiftly responded with an equalizer from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia six minutes later. Gavi’s injury overshadowed the match, creating a subdued atmosphere.
In the second half, Ferran Torres restored Spain’s lead with a header, dedicating the goal to Gavi by holding up his Barca teammate’s number nine jersey. A further blow for Georgia came when Luka Lochoshvili scored an own goal in the 72nd minute, sealing Spain’s victory.
Player Reactions and Concerns
Speaking on Gavi’s injury, Torres expressed a bittersweet feeling, saying, “An important victory to end on a good note, but we leave with a bittersweet feeling because of Gavi’s injury. We don’t know the extent of the injury, but knowing how much of a warrior Gavi is, we think it could be serious.”