FIFA World Cup 2022: Torres leads the way as Spain rout Costa Rica 7-0 in Group E opener

Spain 7-0 Costa Rica: It was a statement of intent from Spain as they smashed seven goals past a hapless Croatia side in the Group E match on Wednesday.

Olmo began the show in the first half before Asensio and Torres added to his tally. The Barcelona player doubled his tally before Gavi, Soler and Morata completed the mauling.

FIRST HALF

Spain kicked off the half and took control of possession as La Roja started off in the manner expected.

It took them 5 minutes to get their first chance of the match through Olmo, but he spurned it.

No sooner was that done that Spain took a 1-0 lead in the 11^th minute through Olmo.

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The Leipzig forward got control of Gavi’s chip pass over the defence before finding some space and steering home.

Asensio doubled the lead in the 21^st minute as he lashed home from Alba’s low cross.

Spain’s dominance and pressure intensified and it was only a matter of time before the goals continued.

Costa Rica’s minimal hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 29^th minute when Alba was fouled in the box; hereby giving Spain a penalty, which was dispatched with ease by Torres.

There was no threat, energy and passion from the CONCACAF side as Spain ended the half with 85% possession.

SECOND HALF

It was more of the same from Spain in the 2^nd half as well as Torres scored Spain’s fourth and his second of the night in the 54^th minute.

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The Barcelona lad was allowed all the time to turn and roll the ball past a hapless Navas.

Gavi smashed home in the 74^th minute from Morata’s delicious pick-out to make it 5-0 on the night and become the youngster Spanish scorer in World Cups.

The troubles mounted for Costa Rica as Soler made it 6-0 in the 90^th minute when he coolly slotted past Navas.

Morata was not left behind as he found himself in space to slam home the seventh goal of the night.

Costa did not have a single shot on or off target whereas Spain found the net on 7 out of the 8 on-target shots; hereby ensuring a ruthless display.

Magnificent SEVEN! 🇪🇸

FULL-TIME: Spain 7-0 Costa Rica 😲 pic.twitter.com/9cbn0LFR91

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 23, 2022