Qatar 2022: Record-breaking Spain demolish Costa-Rica
Costa Rica did not trouble Spain with a single shot in their biggest-ever World Cup win
Spain went top of Group E with a ruthless 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica at Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday.
Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio, Ferran Torres (2), Gavi, Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata were all on target as Luis Enrique's side produced one of the most dominant World Cup displays with 82 percent of the possession
La Roja were a constant drumbeat of movement, rhythm and passes against Los Ticos, cutting them open time and again.
Completing the most passes in a first half in World Cup history, Costa Rica did not heed the early warning from Dani Olmo and Marco Asensio in the first ten minutes.
Both would then score in the space of ten minutes, both showcasing the movement and ball control that made Spain so effective. Ferran Torres did not pardon a penalty after half an hour.
It looked as if Spain had eased up somewhat after Torres converted a second, outfighting the Costa Rica defence for a loose ball.
Yet Spain continued to score almost at will. Their fifth in particular was an outstanding goal, finishing in a volley from Gavi.
Spain's 7-0 win against Costa Rica is their largest victory in World Cup history.
— Squawka (@Squawka) November 23, 2022
They didn't even face a shot.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/izFKkwdnQQ
In the closing stages, Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata added a sixth and a seventh. Alejandro Balde made his debut and Nico Williams his first World Cup appearance, both looking at home on under the bright lights. The truth is, as good as Spain were, the defining word for their performance was comfortable.
Costa Rica did not trouble Spain with a single shot in their biggest ever World Cup win. They barely made Spain work for their victory and while it was all positive for La Roja on the night, Luis Enrique might wonder if his side had it too easy when they prepare for Germany on Sunday night
