SPAIN UNLEASHES FURY ON COSTA RICA; JAPAN STUNS GERMANY
DOHA—Spain’s 2010 World Cup winners built their triumph on an incessant passing game that left rivals chasing shadows.
And the Red Fury’s record 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica on Wednesday suggests they are back to their best.
They also are ready for more.
“I have no doubt that we will play the next game with the same spirit, if not more,” coach Luis Enrique said. “I have no doubts at all. It’s true that praise weakens you, but don’t worry about this group of players ... this is a group of people ready to do things in the right way.”
A Ferran Torres brace and a sumptuous strike from Pablo sent Spain past the 100Gavira goal mark in soccer’s show-event, as the European gi piece ants put their stamp on a Group E stunned by Japan’s 2-1 victory over Germany.
Spain faces Germany next. “We play against Germany next and they have to win, and so do we. We’ll celebrate, go dinner, and then start preto paring for that game,” Enrique said.
Spain relentlessly attacked a Costa Rican side who gave “La Roja” time and space to carve out chance after chance.
It turned out to be a night of records at Al Thumama Stadium for a Spain side that has struggled at World Cups since that 2010 triumph, with Barcelona 18-year-old Gavi becoming the country’s youngest World Cup player, and the youngest to score since Brazil great Pele in 1958.
“It’s the best of my dreams, I never imagined this,” said Gavi, who scored Spain’s fifth goal. “I’m delighted to be achieving this.”
Just over half an hour into the game, the Costa Ricans had already been blown away and were 3-0 down after goals from Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio and a Torres penalty.
Spain rested its starters in the second half, but still collected its biggest World Cup victory.