Xtra Time Web Desk: Former World Cup champions Spain kick-started their FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign in style as they thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 in a Group E clash at Al Thumama stadium on Wednesday. Dani Olmo, Gavi, Marco Asensio, Carlos Soler, Alvaro Morata and Ferran Torres scored for Spain.
Spain took the lead in the 11th minute through Dani Olmo, who after receiving a pass from Gavi turned and deftly lifted it over the advancing keeper Keylor Navas. The Spaniards extended their lead in the 21st minute when Jordi Alba’s neat pass across the box found Asensio who fired low past Navas.
10 minutes later Ferran Torres was on the scoresheet for Spain as he scored from spot kick. The Spaniards went into the interval with 3-0 lead.
Ferran Torres was again on target in the 53rd minute, finding Gavi on the right, who played it back into the area for the Barcelona forward to turn and fire home his second to make it 4-0 for Spain. Paez Gaviria made it 5-0 for the European side while Soler Barragan and Alvaro Morata added to the tally in the dying minutes.
Following the first-round fixtures in Group E, Spain is on top followed by Japan who stunned four times champions Germany 2-1.
In a Group F fixture Belgium registered an unimpressive 1-0 win against Canada. Michy Batshuayi scored the only goal for Red Devils in the 44th minute at the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium.
Canada missed a golden opportunity to take an early lead, as Alphonso Davies had a penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Croatia and Morocco played out a goalless draw in same group earlier in the day.