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Gavi faces criticism despite strong pressing stats in World Cup opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 7:40 AM

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

Gavi faces criticism despite strong pressing stats in World Cup opener

Summary

Barcelona midfielder Gavi was criticized after Spain's goalless draw against Cape Verde in their World Cup opener on June 18, 2026. Despite the poor result, FIFA's advanced stats show Gavi was key to Spain's pressing strategy, leading the team in direct and indirect presses. He completed 31 forward pressing runs and helped Spain recover possession quickly after losing it, with an average recovery time of 9.61 seconds. Gavi's contributions were integral to maintaining Spain's territorial dominance, even as the team struggled to create scoring chances.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Spain opens World Cup with a goalless draw against Cape Verde.
•Gavi led the team with eight direct presses.
•Spain recovered possession in 9.61 seconds on average after losing the ball.
•Gavi completed 31 forward pressing runs during the match.
•Spain's pressing strategy was crucial despite lack of scoring.

Latest Updates

7:40 AMYahoo Sports — Barcelona ace’s underappreciated performance in World Cup opener backed by eye-opening stats

What they're saying

"
Barcelona midfielder Gavi found himself at the centre of criticism following Spain’s disappointing World Cup opener against Cape Verde, but a closer look at the numbers paints a very different pictu...
— Yahoo Sports

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