Teenager Gavi stars as Spain thrash Costa Rica

Spain began their World Cup campaign with a display of total dominance as they thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 on Wednesday at the Al Thumama Stadium to provide an early statement about their tournament credentials.

Dani Olmo (11) and Marco Asensio (21) scored their first two goals, with former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres adding the third from the penalty spot (31), then notching his second of the night with a low finish soon after half time (54).

Barcelona midfielder Gavi, the youngest player to play for Spain at a World Cup at 18 years and 110 days old, then became the youngest scorer in the competition since Pele in 1958 with a sublime volleyed finish from Alvaro Morata’s pass for the fifth goal (74).

The 18-year-old’s goal, brilliantly taken from Morata’s cross, was the highlight of his performance and the moment which created history, making him Spain’s youngest-ever scorer at a World Cup.

On becoming the youngest scorer in the World Cup since Pele in 1958, he said: “I’m proud to be on that podium. Not even in my dreams had I imagined this.”

There was still time for substitutes Carlos Soler (90) and Morata (90+2) to get in on the act, with Costa Rica unable to offer anything in response, failing to even muster a shot on goal as Spain, seeking a repeat of their 2010 World Cup triumph, enjoyed a record 82 per cent share of the

possession.

Spain started the game without an out-and-out striker, but it proved no hindrance as Real Madrid’s Asensio, playing as a false nine, swiftly doubled their lead from Jordi Alba’s low pick-out.

Costa Rica were left shell-shocked by Spain’s start and the pattern of the game continued to follow the same lines, with Torres scoring from the penalty spot after Oscar Duarte had felled Alba.

(C.D)