Spain set new World Cup record with massive victory over Costa Rica

Spain got their World Cup campaign off to a stunning start on Wednesday by demolishing Costa Rica 7-0 in their Group E tie at the Al Thumama Stadium.

It was the first time Spain have scored seven goals in a World Cup match, with their previous best tally coming in a 6-1 win over Bulgaria at the 1998 World Cup in France.

Having seen how Japan caused such a stir against Germany in the other Group E tie, the Spaniards were in no mood to make any mistakes as they started the game lively with some elegant passing.

Luis Enrique’s men were in complete control from the whistle and never played the opposition, as they hardly had a shot, a breathing space.

Dani Olmo and Marco Asensio scored Spain’s first two goals in the 11th and 21st minutes.

The former Manchester City Striker Ferran Torres scored the third from the penalty spot just after half an hour as Spain went into the break with a healthy three-goal lead.

Torres continued where he left off in the second half, making it 4-0 for Spain in the 54th minute with a low finish.

As Spain was far away Barcelona Midfielder Gavi, the youngest player to play in a World Cup for Spain, came in with the goalscorer.

At 18 years and 110 days, he became the competition’s youngest goalscorer since Pele in 1958, when Alvaro Morata scored the fifth goal in the 75th minute with a superb volley.

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There was still time for substitute Carlos Soler to score another goal in the 90th minute, before Morata added a seventh two minutes into stoppage time.

Costa Rica were nowhere near Spain’s prowess and will need to step up in their next match against giant killers Japan on Sunday.

As for Spain, they have a date against a wounded German side who will be desperate to avoid defeat.