JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images
Spain might have installed itself as the new favorite to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 7-0 win over Costa Rica on Wednesday in Qatar.
The tournament has already seen Argentina and Germany lose their first games, leading many to wonder whether this could be World Cup that favors the underdogs. Spain had no time to entertain that narrative.
With goals from Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio and Ferran Torres, La Roja were up 3-0 by the 31st minute. Torres added a fourth and his second in the 54th minute.
FOX Soccer @FOXSoccer
ASENSIO MAKES IT TWO
What a start for Spain 🔥🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/yqExtFas7k
FOX Soccer @FOXSoccer
Too easy for Ferran Torres 🎯
Spain makes it 3-0 in the first half pic.twitter.com/WiGDedVKt9
Gavi opened his World Cup account in the 74th minute
B/R Football @brfootball
On the day he becomes Spain’s youngest-ever player at a World Cup, 18-year-old Gavi scores a perfect volley 😍 pic.twitter.com/5xQ2lVVv7B
FIFA World Cup @FIFAWorldCup
🇪🇸 The future is bright for Spain#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/2zsXir0ld5
Spain obviously had a significant talent edge on Costa Rica. The efficiency with which Luis Enrique’s squad put its opponents to the sword made a major statement nevertheless.
Ryan Taylor @RyanTaylorSport
Only an ageing Costa Rica side but Spain look the real deal. Wonderful blend of flair, technical quality & attacking fluidity. Gavi & Pedri just on another level. Their possession-based style will suck the life out of opponents in this heat. Strong contenders. #ESP
Casey Evans @Casey_Evans_
If I’m Germany I’m worried right now, not only by how good Spain look but by how bad Costa Rica look as well
Aaron West @oeste
Spain haven’t treated Costa Rica this badly since 1561 smh
Solyman Jami @Jitokeze
Costa Rica to Spain at half time pic.twitter.com/zy6xMSZYWW
Costa Rica finished with just 18 percent of possession and failed to register a single shot. Los Ticos typically play an ultra-defensive style in major tournaments, but their inability to control the ball was an indicator of Spain’s superiority.
Duncan Alexander @oilysailor
Spain completed six more passes in that first half than Wycombe have in League One in November
ESPN FC @ESPNFC
Complete domination by Spain 🇪🇸
Enrique ball in full effect ♻️ pic.twitter.com/8psroBNcnp
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
Spain to Costa Rica: pic.twitter.com/yBBP8tAged
Al Foran @ImpressionistAL
Yeah okay I get it, Costa Rica are fairly abysmal but it shouldn’t take away from the fact that Spain are absolutely imperious right now, the way they move the ball around is mesmerising all down to the main man at the helm, Luis Enrique, looking like serious contenders.
Complex Sports @ComplexSports
Costa Rica defenders against Spain pic.twitter.com/6v2zIVOjaV
Kristan Heneage @KHeneage
I married into a Costa Rican family. The group chat has made for tough reading.
Spain is back in action Sunday to play Germany in what might be the single most anticipated fixture of the group stage.
Considering the stakes for the Germans, they’re bound to have some sort of reaction following Wednesday’s defeat. Should Spain earn a second victory, it will have cemented itself as the team to beat.