Costa emerges flag-bearer of Spain’s title hopes
to three goals, having earlier scored a brace against Portugal.
The former Chelsea forward has been one of the few bright sparks for Spain in their two games so far. Doubts have been cast over the former Chelsea forward’s ability to lead the line for a side boasting of one of the most creative midfield casts in the tournament.
In 2014, Spain and Costa’s failure in Brazil had raised more questions than answers. The Spaniards have been more acquainted to the mould of forwards with the ability to complement their sleek, polished passing game.
It is perhaps the reason why the likes of David Villa and Fernando Torres managed to be mainstays in the Spanish national teams despite often indifferent runs with their clubs.
Costa belongs to a different breed of strikers. His high intensity, on-the-face, often ruffianlike style of play is in stark contrast
to the brand of football Spain have come to represent over the years.
Even in 2018, when Spain are without the retired midfield genius Xavi and with the waning influence of old warhorse Andres Iniesta, Costa remains an artisan in a team of artists.
It is not the most ideal arrangement for new Spain boss Fernando Hierro, as his grudging praise for his first choice no. 9 on Wednesday night showed.
“Diego is really committed with three (goals) in two matches but he can do better,” he told reporters after the game.
“He works hard, fights both at the back and front. We ask him to give everything and he is surrounded by people who want him to do everything,” he went on to add.
Hierro had taken off Costa in the final few minutes of the game on Wednesday. It surprised many observers given the fact that the forward usually thrives in situations like the one against Iran.
Spain, however, must keep their faith with Costa for now if they want to have any hopes of regaining the title they won eight years back. The absence of another goal poacher in the team means Costa will continue to lead their line for the remainder of the tournament.
For years, Spain have been the leading light in international football, leaving a stamp of their elegance in the form of three back-to-back major titles from 2008 to 2012. With the kind of instability surrounding the team at the start of their campaign, they can now perhaps do with a bit of the feral nature of Costa.