(Football news) Spain asserted their dominance in their opening World Cup match against Costa Rica with a 7-0 victory. The two sides faced each other a few hours after Japan shocked Germany with a 2-1 win but for Spain, there was no possibility of another result as Luis Enrique’s side dominated right from kick off at the  Al Thumama Stadium. Dani Olmo (11) and Marco Asensio (21) opened the scoring while Ferran Torres added a third from the penalty spot in the 31st minute and doubled his tally with another goal in the 54th minute. Gavi, who is the youngest player to ever play for Spain at 18 years and 110 days also became the youngest goalscorer at the World Cup since Pele in 1958, capitalising on Morata’s assist in the 74th minute. 

If that wasn’t all, substitutes Carlos Soler (90th minute) and Morata (90+2) scored Spain’s sixth and seventh goal while an utterly toothless Costa Rica couldn’t muster a single shot against their opponents. The La Roja are considered to be the dark horses of the tournament but this dominant display will undoubtedly bring them into the spotlight as they look to repeat their 2010 achievement, playing their trademark tiki taka style of football with 82% possession. The man of the match was undoubtedly 18 year old teenager Gavi, who was not just impressive because of his goal but his overall display was magnificent. He had 91 touches and a pass success rate of 90% and Costa Rica was forced to foul him in order to get the ball, which meant that Gavi won four freekicks during the match, more than any other player. 

Speaking after the match, Spain head coach Luis Enrique said “When things go like this, football becomes a wonderful sport. We were exceptional in our ball handling and finishing, with the same philosophy that the national team has had for years. We were exceptional in pressing and the 17 players who took part were very good. It is the national team that scores the most goals in all the championships we have been in. We may not have a benchmark player who scored 30 goals but we have Ferran, Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio, Gavi… I've never been worried about finding goals." Costa Rica head coach Luis Fernando Suarez said “We couldn't get the ball and there was nothing in attack from us. I have to admit that we were bad and we all have to take account of what happened. We are worried that the group won't get out of this hole that we are in. I hope that we can sort things out and start working from tomorrow before Japan." 

Also read: 2022 World Cup: Japan stun Germany with comeback win in Group E opener