Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Santi Cazorla scores first international goal in 4 years

Santi Cazorla has scored his first international goal in four years as Spain thrashed Malta to secure top spot in Group F of the Euro 2020 Qualifiers. It was the 34-year-old's first strike for his country since scoring in a friendly against England on November 13, 2015.

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Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Santi Cazorla and his battles with injuries

Santi Cazorla, who plays for Villarreal in LaLiga, netted in the 7-0 thrashing of Malta, four years after his international career was disrupted by career-threatening injury. Cazorla spent almost two years on the sidelines after having eight operations on an ankle injury and then contracting an infection that majorly affected his Achilles tendon. He reportedly underwent a reconstruction of the tendon in 2017, with doctors grafting skin from his left arm to his right ankle. 

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Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Santi Cazorla's moment of redemption

Despite being told he should be "satisfied" just to walk again, Cazorla made his return for Villarreal in August last year. His performances with the club meant he was once again called-up by the Spanish national side five months ago, which was a feat by itself. Now, he got on the scoresheet against Malta to register his first goal for Spain in more than four years.

He finished a fine move for Spain's second after ex-Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata prodded in the opener. Cazorla provided the final touch in the 41st minute after he was played in by Villarreal team-mate Gerard Moreno's first-time pass and calmly slotted in off the inside of the left post. Cazorla's strike opened the floodgates for Spain in the second half with Oliver Torres, Dani Olmo Pablo Sarabia, Gerard Moreno and Jesus Navas rounding out the win.

Spain coach Robert Moreno hailed Santi Cazorla as "exceptional" after the experienced midfielder scored his first international goal in four years.

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Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Spain vs Malta result

Three-time European champions Spain had already clinched qualification for the summer's finals but had drawn their last two games against Norway and Sweden. Spain's 7-0 demolishing of Malta 7-0 in their penultimate Euro 2020 qualifier will be a big boost as they start early preparation for the tournament next year.

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