Spain Ignite World Cup Bid By Smashing Seven Past Costa Rica
Muhammad Rameez Published November 24, 2022 | 02:10 AM
Doha, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Nov, 2022 ) :Spain launched their bid to lift a second World Cup in spectacular style on Wednesday by shredding Costa Rica 7-0 in a brutal display which will serve as a warning to their rivals.
Avoiding the fate of both giants Argentina and Group E rivals Germany, who lost 2-1 to Japan earlier on, Luis Enrique's fancied side sparkled at Doha's Al Thumama Stadium, dominating possession and taking their chances mercilessly.
Ferran Torres netted twice and Marco Asensio, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata were also on the scoresheet for the Euro 2020 semi-finalists in an emphatic romp.
Despite earning Spain's biggest ever World Cup win, Luis Enrique said his team could still improve.
"Our objective is to continuously dominate the play, and for that you have to have the ball," Luis Enrique told TVE.
"Your opponent gets tired and can't get into it, our pressing was exceptional and the 16 players we used were superb -- although we still have room to improve." In the past the 2010 World Cup winners have paid the price for profligacy but all three forwards Luis Enrique selected netted in the first half to pay back his trust in them.
The coach placed Asensio at false nine, flanked by Olmo and Torres, starting with Morata and Ansu Fati on the bench.
The coach opted to deploy Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez in central defence, alongside club team-mate Aymeric Laporte, correctly anticipating his team would monopolise the ball.
"Spain was much better than us, that's obvious, they kept possession throughout the match," said Costa Rica coach Luis Fernando Suarez.
"They played in the final third for most of the game and we did the exact opposite.
We didn't attack, we didn't keep possession and when we had it we didn't protect it.
"Spain played an amazing game. We didn't." - No mercy - It took only 11 minutes for La Roja to open the scoring, with Gavi feeding Olmo, with the RB Leipzig winger taking one sublime touch to turn and another to stroke the ball gently past Keylor Navas.
Olmo's strike was Spain's 100th World Cup goal, with La Roja becoming the sixth team to hit that milestone.
Costa Rica, who were a surprise package at the 2014 World Cup, beating Italy and Uruguay and drawing with England to top their group, were quickly sliced apart again.
Jordi Alba's low drilled cross was rammed home by Real Madrid forward Asensio past his former team-mate Navas, who might have done more to keep it out.
Torres stroked home from the penalty spot after Alba was fouled by Oscar Duarte -- a soft call on a hard night for Los Ticos, who were never in the game and failed to muster a shot at goal.
Barcelona forward Torres capitalised on more slack defending to fire the fourth past Navas early in the second half.
Luis Enrique was able to take off the effervescent Pedri and Torres before the hour mark, and handed teenage Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde his debut.
The 19-year-old roared up the pitch in the build-up to Spain's fifth goal, with substitute Morata crossing for Gavi to drill home with aplomb.
Kopa Trophy winner Gavi became the third youngest goalscorer at a World Cup at 18 years and 110 days old, after Mexico's Manuel Rosas and record holder Pele.
Soler and Morata then got in on the act with stoppage-time strikes to pile further misery on Costa Rica and help Spain flex their muscles in a perfect opening match in Qatar.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
More Stories From Sports
-
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
1 hour ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
2 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
4 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
5 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
5 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
4 hours ago
-
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
5 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
4 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
4 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
4 hours ago -
1st-ever National Sports Revival conference starts next month
6 hours ago -
Usain Bolt named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
7 hours ago