Costa Rica
Advertisement

Spain, on Wednesday, began their World Cup campaign with a display of total dominance as they thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 at Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar.

Luis Enrique’s side were in complete control from the outset with goals from Dani Olmo in the 11th minute and Marco Asensio in the 21st minute.

Barcelona forward, Ferran Torres, added the third from the penalty spot in the 31st minute before notching his second of the night with a low finish soon after half-time in the 54th minute.

READ ALSO: World Cup: Japan stun Germany 2-1

Barcelona midfielder, Gavi, the youngest player to play for Spain at a World Cup at the age of 18, became the youngest scorer in the competition since Pele in 1958 with a sublime volleyed finish from Alvaro Morata’s pass for the fifth goal in the 75th minute.

There was still time for substitutes Carlos Soler in the 90th and Morata (90+2) to get in on the act, with Costa Rica unable to offer anything in response, failing to even muster a shot on goal until stoppage time.

Spain, seeking a repeat of their 2010 World Cup triumph, enjoyed a record 82 per cent share of the possession.

The earlier game in Group E brought another huge shock to follow Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina on Tuesday, with Japan coming from behind to beat Germany 2-1.

In Group F, Morocco and Croatia played out a goalless draw, with Belgium due to face Canada tonight.

The Star

Advertisement

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here