Spain looking to Costa for top spot
KALININGRAD: Spain will be looking for their unlikely new World Cup figurehead Diego Costa to strike again against already eliminated Morocco on Monday as they bid to outscore Portugal and grab top spot in Group B.
A draw in Kaliningrad would guarantee the 2010 winners safe passage into the last 16 but to be assured of winning the group they need to win a scoring contest with Portugal, who play Iran at the same time.
If the two European sides win by the same scoreline, top spot will be determined by who has the cleaner disciplinary record, with Spain currently on one yellow card to Portugal’s two.
dumped out.
Costa got off to a flying start in the opening game against Portugal, scoring the first equaliser in the 3-3 epic with an emphatic demonstration of his power and skill before also showing bravery to dive in and score the second.
“He has understood that here he doesn’t have to touch the ball very much and he has focused on shooting,” said Koke, praising his Atletico Madrid teammate for finally finding his role in the Spain team. Costa will be on the lookout for more goals against Morocco, who are heading home after losing 1-0 to both Iran and Portugal.
Still, though, it is unclear if winning the group would hand them an easier game in the next round. If Spain qualify, they will meet either rampant hosts Russia or Uruguay, who will battle to top Group A.