SPAIN are facing a tricky side Costa Rica in their opening 2022 World Cup group game RIGHT NOW!
La Roja were the best international team in the world between 2008 and 2012, but those stars have retired and the new generation are finding their feet.
They came close to reaching the final of Euro 2020 last year but were knocked out on penalties in the semi-final by Italy.
Spain will be one of the stronger teams heading into the Qatar showpiece at the end of 2022 and they’ll be hoping they can go a step further than they did in 2018.
Four years ago in Russia, Spain went out in the last-16, losing a penalty shootout to the tournament hosts.
- Kick-off: 4pm UK time
- TV channel: ITV 1
- Live stream: ITV X
- Spain XI: Unai, Azpilicueta, Rodri, Laporte, Alba, Busquets, Gavi, Pedri, Ferran, Asensio, Olmo
- Costa Rica XI: Navas, Oviedo, Calvo, Waston, Duarte, Fuller, Bennette, Tejeda, Borges, Campbell, Contreras
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Spain 0-0 Costa Rica
5. Close! A glorious dink into the box from Pedri catches Oviedo out, and lands perfectly on to the right foot of Olmo.
The volley across goal from the Leipzig forward drops a yard wide of Navas’ far post.
Spain 0-0 Costa Rica
4. The referee is Mohammed Abdulla Hassan of the UAE, who was widely criticised for his performance in the World Cup play-off between New Zealand and Costa Rica, and generally considered out of his depth.
So that will be fun.
Spain 0-0 Costa Rica
2. Torres wins an early corner for the Spaniards that Olmo sends in the direction of Laporte.
On this occasion, the Manchester City defender comes up short and Costa Rica clear their lines.
Kick-off – Spain v Costa Rica
1. The crowd count down from ten, and then it’s Spain that get this Group E clash underway.
After Germany’s defeat to Japan earlier today, this is a real opportunity for La Roja to increase the pressure on Hansi Flick’s side – but opponents Costa Rica are no mugs.
Here come the two teams!
The players make their way out on to the pitch at the Al Thumama Stadium, and take their places for the national anthems.
Costa Rica are well represented by their travelling support, but Spain are the side loaded with heavy expectation.
Here’s a reminder of how the two countries line up:
Five minute countdown!
We’re not far off here in Doha.
Spain vs Costa Rice is about to get underway.
Costa Rica’s key man
Joel Campbell and Keylor Navas – as always.
Predictions?
Spain will certainly be the favourites for this one, but Saudi Arabia and Japan have set the pace for underdogs all over the world.
Costa Rica certainly have the capability to cause an upset, with ex-Arsenal winger Joel Campbell among their ranks…
Here at SunSport however, we are going to back Ferran Torres and co to get the win by a 3-0 margin.
What do you think? You could be in with a chance at winning £5000 if you get the answer right.
Spain’s ones to watch
Spain have a side which is mixed with youth and experience. Luis Enrique will be hoping to get his side back into winning contention on the biggest stage.
Busquet case
Sergio Busquets is the only man from their 2010 triumph in South Africa who is still in the Spain XI. Some man.
Credit: Reuters City connection
Interestingly, Spain have a makeshift centre-back pairing which consists of Manchester City pair Rodri and Aymeric Laporte.
The only problem is, Rodri isn’t a defender.
There’s clearly a bit of a centre-back crisis in the Spain squad but like have to work their way around it.
Sergio Busquets is the only man from their 2010 triumph in South Africa who is still in the Spain XI. Some man.
Credit: Getty Atmosphere building!
Fans of both Spain and Costa Rica are making their presence felt in and around the Al-Thumama Stadium.
Credit: Getty Credit: Reuters Credit: EPA Credit: EPA World beaters
They’re a long way away from the Spanish side which won Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012 at a canter.
They did, however, put in a good shift at Euro 2020 last summer, ultimately reaching the semi-finals before going out on penalties to eventual winners Italy.
Their current side is riddled with young talent such as Pedri, Gavi and Ferran but La Roja are essentially in transition right now.
And Costa Rica will be looking to exploit that.
The Central American side reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2014, topping a group which contained Italy, England and Uruguay.
Another upset here would go down a treat, especially with fellow group side Japan beating Germany in the earlier game.
The boys are back in town
Spain are in the building and they’ll be hoping to capitalise on Germany’s shock defeat to Japan.
Credit: AFP Costa Rica XI
Navas; Castro, Spence, Duarte, Calvo, Oviedo; Campbell, Borges, Tejeda, Villegas; Enriquez
Spain XI
Simon; Azpilicueta, Rodrigo, Laporte, Jordi Alba; Segio, Gavi, Pedri; Ferran, Asensio, Olmo
Welcome to Spain vs Costa Rica
Spain kick off their World Cup campaign against Costa Rica – who proved they can cause an upset by topping England’s group in 2014.
Luis Enrique’s side will be wary of the Costa Ricans, who qualified for the tournament via the play-offs.
Costa Rica failed to make it to the knockouts in 2018, but four years before that in Brazil they somehow topped a group that included England, Italy and Uruguay.
Saudi Arabia’s stunning 2-1 win over Argentina will make the Spaniards even more wary that no wins are guaranteed at the World Cup.
With heavyweights Germany also in their group, Spain will know nothing but three points will do as they get their campaign underway at Al Thumama Stadium.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
