Spain began their 2022 World Cup campaign with a comprehensive thrashing of Costa Rica at the Al Thumama stadium in Doha.
The 2010 champions put seven goals past the North Americans without reply. Marking their biggest win at the World Cup, and the biggest in the competition since Portugal beat North Korea by the same scoreline in 2010.
Three goals in the first half and a further four goals in the second half with an outstanding 82% possession meant the Spaniards dominated every facet of the game in what could be described as a faultless performance from Luis Enrique’s men.
It took just 11 minutes for Dani Olmo to open the scoring. Marco Asensio added a second, before Ferran Torres scored from the penalty spot. Spain picked up from where they left off in the second half as Torres added his second of the night and Spain’s fourth.
Barcelona midfielder Gavi, the youngest player to play for Spain at a World Cup at 18 years and 110 days old added a fifth, becoming the youngest scorer in the competition since Pele in 1958. Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata came off the bench to add two late goals to complete the rout, with Costa Rica failing to even muster a shot on goal.
After the game, Spain’s coach Luis Enrique made sure to clarify that there was still room for improvement.
“Our objective in every single game is to dominate the game and to do that, you have to have the ball. We want our opponents to find it hard to play against us and get frustrated. Our pressing was so good today too. But we still have room for improvement.”
