Doha: Spain looked to win a second World Cup on Wednesday with a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica in their Group E opener.
Avoiding the fate of giants Argentina and group rivals Germany, who had earlier lost 2-1 to Japan, the likes of Luis Enrique shone at Doha’s Al Thomama Stadium, dominating possession and securing their Used opportunities ruthlessly.
Ferran Torres netted twice and Marco Asensio, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata were also on the scoresheet in an emphatic rampage to the Euro 2020 semi-finals.
In the past, the 2010 World Cup winners have paid for blunders but all three forwards Luis Enrique chose to net in the first half to repay their faith.
The coach put Asensio on a false nine, with Olmo and Torres starting with Morata and Ansu Fati on the bench.
The coach opted to deploy Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez in central defense alongside club teammate Aymeric Laporte, correctly anticipating that his side would dominate the ball.
It took just 11 minutes for La Roja to open the scoring, Gavi flicking a pass forward to find Olmo in the area and the RB Leipzig winger stroking the ball gently past Keylor Navas for a superb touch and another. .
Costa Rica, who were the surprise package at the 2014 World Cup, beating Italy and Uruguay to top their group and draw with England, broke away again for a second goal 10 minutes later.
Jordi Alba’s low-drilled cross was flicked on by Real Madrid forward Asensio past his former team-mate Navas, who would have done a lot to keep him out.
Torres stroked home from the penalty spot after Alba was fouled by Oscar Duarte – a soft call on a tough night for Los Tecos, who were never in the game and failed to get a shot on target.
Barcelona forward Torres took advantage of more sluggish defending to fire a fourth past Navas early in the second half.
Luis Enrique was able to take off the spirited Padre and Torres before the hour mark to rest them for Sunday’s clash with Germany, handing Barcelona young left-back Alejandro Balde his debut.
The 19-year-old roared up the pitch in the build-up to Spain’s fifth goal, with substitute Morata crossing for Gavi to drill home.
Copa Trophy winner Gavi became the third-youngest goalscorer at the World Cup at 18 years and 110 days, behind Mexico’s Manuel Rojas and record holder Pele.
Soler and Morata then combined with stoppage-time strikes to heap more misery on Costa Rica and help Spain flex their muscles in an excellent opener in Qatar.