Eva Navarro: from cruciate heartbreak to the World Cup

Eva Navarro got on the World Cup train unexpectedly and so far has been one of the revelations in Jorge Vilda’s Spain side. She has played in all but one of the team’s outings at the tournament - she was reserved in the opening group game against Costa Rica but came on as a sub in all of the others (Japan, Zambia and Switzerland). It hasn’t always been plain sailing for the 22-year-old Atleti forward - she has had to battle back after suffering two cruciate ligament tears, but now she is seeing his career take off with Spain, who head into the quarter finals for the first time intent on making more history.

How is your first experience of a World Cup turning out?

I’m very happy considering it’s my first time at a World Cup. It’s very exciting and going though all of this with my team mates is amazing. It’s magical. Being with them makes me a better player.

What kinds of things do they say to you?

Whenever Jorge gives me an opportunity to play, even just for a few minutes, I try to give it my all. Above all I think about helping the team. As he tells us, we are 23 players. A player coming off the bench can completely change the game for you at any time.

Do you feel that way? Do you see yourself in that decisive role?

My team mates and the coaching staff say that, but if I tell you the truth, I don’t stop to think about it. Every time I step out on the pitch, I always try to give the team a plus.

Which match did you feel most comfortable in?

There have been different scenarios so far in the World Cup. If I had to choose one, it would be my debut against Zambia. I was very comfortable and was able to help the team with two assists. Against Switzerland I was very close to scoring, let’s see if a goal comes my way in the next game...

You’re quite shy off the pitch but quite the opposite on it…

I am quite a shy person but as soon as I am out on the pitch my personality totally changes. I become a warrior. I’m a happy-go-lucky person and I am one of those who tries to make jokes so that we get out of the routine.

When did you feel you had taken another step forward in your career?

After going through two cruciate ligament injuries. They made me change a lot, both mentally and in terms of how I play. I came back from my first cruciate injury and after just seven games, it went again... That was a very hard blow - just coming out of a lengthy injury and the suddenly you are back to square one... I always say that I took it with great hope. I changed things that I hadn’t done in the first recovery program.

Did you ever think about quitting soccer?

No, never. For me it was a challenge, one which I had to win. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but I accepted it for what it was. That’s why I’m so happy now. I am competing with the national team in a World Cup.

And your setbacks came during the Covid-19 pandemic…

A lot of people were affected by the pandemic. But in my case… it was more about the injuries. When I came back from the cruciate injuries, I broke my shoulder. I fell awkwardly in training and had another three months out of action. After going through those complications, it makes you change your mindset a lot.

Is the best of Eva yet to come?

Yes, after the injuries, I need to step up another level. Little by little I am getting there, I am feeling like the player I was before. Since I returned to playing for my the club - I have only been playing with the club for the last five months.

And suddenly you signed for Atlético…

I'm very happy. That Atleti gave me this opportunity was incredible. I can't be happier.

There was interest from Real Madrid (laughs). There are always rumours that comes out in the media, many things are said. But I don’t think about it too much. I am focused on the World Cup and the national team...

You are part of a privileged generation.

I have many amazing memories. With Cata and Salma, we won the U-17 World Cup in Uruguay. We were the first to win it. I have a lot of very nice memories, I hope I can repeat it here.

Talking about Cata, she started the Switzerland game…

We’ve been team mates since we were 15 years old. She has always had incredible potential, she always stood out. Jorge gave her the opportunity the other day in the Round of 16. For me, she is a great goalkeeper.

Who is your role model in this team?

I think, Alexia. I have always identified a lot with her. One thing also unites us, that he has gone through the same injury as me. Most of us have gone through a cruciate ligament injury. Sometimes we stop to talk about it. We ask, ‘Why did this happen?’ But right now, it’s not something we are thinking about.