QATAR 2022
Spain lay down marker at Qatar 2022 with merciless 7-0 trouncing of Costa Rica
Alvaro Morata of Spain celebrates after scoring their team’s seventh goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match between Spain and Costa Rica at Al Thumama (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
“What could happen, what mystery will be? It could be my great night...,” is a Spanish song that must have stuck with many tonight. "Mi Gran Noche", a song from the sixties by Raphael, one of Spain's best-known singers, was played seven times today at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar. One for each goal that La Roja scored against Costa Rica.
“It was an incredible match by the team from start to finish. We knew it was going to be difficult,” explained Dani Olmo, a Spanish player after the match. “I think it has been our merit, we have played the 90 minutes in the same way. They, in the end, were tired of keeping the ball and we created many chances."
THE MATCH By the fifth minute, Spain had already started imposing themselves on the Ticos, creating scoring chances. And in the 11th minute, Dani Olmo got the first goal for the peninsula team. Not long after in the 21st minute, Asensio received a cross from Jordi Alba from the left, leaving no option for Keylor Navas to save the ball. Jordi Alba then won a penalty after he was brought down by Oscar Duarte and scored it in the 31st minute to help Spain extend their lead to 3-0. The fourth goal for Luis Enrique's men came on the 54th minute after a failure by the Costa Rican defence allowed Ferran to score.
In the second half, the 74th minute, Gabi entered through the centre, received a ball from the left wing and hit the ball with the outside, hitting it near the right post. It was impossible for Navas. This was followed by goals from Carlos Soler (90') and Alvaro Morata (90+2'). Spain have gotten the best result yet for this World Cup.
GERMAN RIVALS Germany's defeat against Japan (2-1) has put the Spanish team in a very good position in Group E. In addition, Hansi Flick's team will be the next opponent for La Roja.
“You have to stay calm, this has just begun. It is clear that we have the motivation and ambition that can be. But, you have to go game by game winning,” remarked Olmo.
THE WORLD CUP IS NOT LOST The group stage is not over yet and Costa Rica are not eliminated.
“You don't have to think that everything is finished, because there are more games. So, faith,” said Kendall Watson player of Costa Rica. "We are very hurt by the score, it is not what represents us, so well, what follows is the most important thing."
Costa Rica will face Japan next in this group stage.
“It was an incredible match by the team from start to finish. We knew it was going to be difficult,” explained Dani Olmo, a Spanish player after the match. “I think it has been our merit, we have played the 90 minutes in the same way. They, in the end, were tired of keeping the ball and we created many chances."
THE MATCH By the fifth minute, Spain had already started imposing themselves on the Ticos, creating scoring chances. And in the 11th minute, Dani Olmo got the first goal for the peninsula team. Not long after in the 21st minute, Asensio received a cross from Jordi Alba from the left, leaving no option for Keylor Navas to save the ball. Jordi Alba then won a penalty after he was brought down by Oscar Duarte and scored it in the 31st minute to help Spain extend their lead to 3-0. The fourth goal for Luis Enrique's men came on the 54th minute after a failure by the Costa Rican defence allowed Ferran to score.
In the second half, the 74th minute, Gabi entered through the centre, received a ball from the left wing and hit the ball with the outside, hitting it near the right post. It was impossible for Navas. This was followed by goals from Carlos Soler (90') and Alvaro Morata (90+2'). Spain have gotten the best result yet for this World Cup.
GERMAN RIVALS Germany's defeat against Japan (2-1) has put the Spanish team in a very good position in Group E. In addition, Hansi Flick's team will be the next opponent for La Roja.
“You have to stay calm, this has just begun. It is clear that we have the motivation and ambition that can be. But, you have to go game by game winning,” remarked Olmo.
THE WORLD CUP IS NOT LOST The group stage is not over yet and Costa Rica are not eliminated.
“You don't have to think that everything is finished, because there are more games. So, faith,” said Kendall Watson player of Costa Rica. "We are very hurt by the score, it is not what represents us, so well, what follows is the most important thing."
Costa Rica will face Japan next in this group stage.
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