FIFAWC 2022: History-maker Gavi shines as 7-star Spain crush Costa Rica
Ferran Torres at the double for La Roja in big win
Barcelona starlet Gavi was at the heart of a sublime Spain performance as they thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 in their Group E opener at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. La Roja showed their class and quality to set the tone in their group after the first round of matches.
Having seen Japan shock Germany in the group earlier in the day, Spain were looking to avert a similar occurrence and quickly started the match as they meant to go on.
RB Leipzig forward Dani Olmo opened the scoring for La Roja after only 11 minutes of the game. The ex-Barcelona youngster received a pass from Gavi before wriggling free in the box to fire past the experienced Keylor Navas.
It took only another ten minutes for Spain to double their advantage, this time through Marco Asensio. The Real Madrid man was on the end of a low cross from Jordi Alba and applied a first-time finish to guide the ball into the back of the net.
In the 31st minute, La Roja went three goals up from the penalty spot. The industrious Alba was brought down in the box on one of his forays forward and his club side teammate Ferran Torres calmly slotted home the resulting penalty.
Torres doubled his personal tally in the 54th minute as Spain refused to let up in the game. The former Manchester City man was the beneficiary of some dodgy defending before slotting his effort past a stranded Navas.
The excellent Gavi added his name to the scoresheet and record books in outrageous style after 74 minutes to make it five for Spain. The 2022 Golden Boy winner scored a stunning volley with the outside of his boot after he was found by a cross from Alvaro Morata. The 18-year-old became Spain’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the World Cup and also the third-youngest player to score in the Mundial behind Pele and Manuel Rosas.
Not done with scoring, Spain added a sixth in the 90th minute through PSG star Carlos Soler. The midfielder was on hand to tuck the ball home after Navas spilled a cross from Nico Williams. Alvaro Morata scored the seventh and final goal for La Roja in the 92nd minute after he fired in following a quick one-two with Olmo.
Spain recorded their biggest win in the history of the FIFA World Cup and have now sent out a statement that they are firm favourites for the title. They face Germany next in a make-or-break match for the Germans.
