Spain’s Gavi suffers knee injury in 3-1 Euro qualifying win over Georgia
Spain beat Georgia 3-1 in their final Euro 2024 qualifying Group A match on Sunday in a bittersweet 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.”
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.
