Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

The 2010 World Championship player can become Spain's hero

Jesús Navas was part of Spain's squad when they won the World Championship gold in 2010. Tonight, Navas will start in the semifinal against France, 14 years later. I'm just so happy to be here, said the 38-year-old at a press conference.

» Updated: 16 July 2024, 14:18

» Published: 09 July 2024

The 2010 World Championship player can become Spain's hero
Photo: Manu Fernandez/AP/TT

Jesús Navas was part of Spain's squad when they won the World Championship in 2010.

Tonight, Navas will start in the semifinal against France, 14 years later.

I'm just so happy to be here, said the 38-year-old at a press conference.

Sevilla player Jesús Navas is the only player in Spain's European Championship squad who won the World Championship in 2010.

Back then, Navas was 24 years old and played as a winger. He started two matches in the group stage and made a substitute appearance in the final.

Those years were incredible considering what we achieved. The team we had and the group we formed on and off the pitch – we were so strong and it helped us achieve success those years, beyond the football we played which was fantastic, said Navas at a press conference earlier during the championship.

The fast winger with high running capacity didn't quite fit in the then tiki-taka Spain.

Today, Navas is a 38-year-old right-back. His runs up and down the right flank fit better in today's Spain where it's all about quick transitions.

But in competition with Real Madrid player Dani Carvajal, he has only played in the last group stage match against Albania, when national team coach Luis de la Fuente rotated the entire team.

I contribute in any way I can, it's fantastic to be here and I just want to help my teammates. We all contribute, both the older and the younger ones. We are a family here, we are a very good group, and that's how you achieve success, said Navas.

In the semifinal against France, Carvajal is suspended, which again opens up for Navas.

The 38-year-old will then face France's 13-year younger superstar Kylian Mbappé.

The striker has had problems during the championship, after breaking his nose in the opening match against Austria, and has only scored one goal – from the penalty spot.

It could open up for Jesús Navas himself to get a hero role in Spain.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Möregårdh reaches quarterfinals – faces world number five
1 MIN READ

Möregårdh reaches quarterfinals – faces world number five

After the Sweden Visit – Mbappé Dropped from the National Team
1 MIN READ

After the Sweden Visit – Mbappé Dropped from the National Team

Dream Draw for Sweden: "Teams We Can Win Against"
3 MIN READ

Dream Draw for Sweden: "Teams We Can Win Against"

Norwegian Olympic canoeist becomes World Championship swimmer
1 MIN READ

Norwegian Olympic canoeist becomes World Championship swimmer

Furious over Palestine banner at PSG match
1 MIN READ

Furious over Palestine banner at PSG match

The new venture a challenge: "I said no"
3 MIN READ

The new venture a challenge: "I said no"

Bayern Munich fan silent in the stands
1 MIN READ

Bayern Munich fan silent in the stands

Sprint star moves to Italy
1 MIN READ

Sprint star moves to Italy

Northug: Dreams of the podium in Vasaloppet
2 MIN READ

Northug: Dreams of the podium in Vasaloppet

Star Durant sank Larsson's Miami
1 MIN READ

Star Durant sank Larsson's Miami

From unknown to national team: "Cool thing"
3 MIN READ

From unknown to national team: "Cool thing"

NHL star McDavid back after injury
2 MIN READ

NHL star McDavid back after injury

After the Ridicule – Viral "Raygun" Gives Up
2 MIN READ

After the Ridicule – Viral "Raygun" Gives Up

CL success for the Swede: zero intact
2 MIN READ

CL success for the Swede: zero intact

Dark Night Start for Apelgren: "Damn, That's Awful"
2 MIN READ

Dark Night Start for Apelgren: "Damn, That's Awful"

Mings' brain fade - Club Brugge won on penalties
1 MIN READ

Mings' brain fade - Club Brugge won on penalties

No Breakthrough – Women's Crown Fell to Czech Republic
2 MIN READ

No Breakthrough – Women's Crown Fell to Czech Republic

Malmö fell in Istanbul – third defeat in Europe
2 MIN READ

Malmö fell in Istanbul – third defeat in Europe

McIlroy: Trump may be able to unite golf
1 MIN READ

McIlroy: Trump may be able to unite golf

Källberg's Giant Upset – Crushed the World Number One
2 MIN READ

Källberg's Giant Upset – Crushed the World Number One