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      Who is Belgium vs Canada World Cup referee Janny Sikazwe, and did he blow full time early at an AFCON game?

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      ZAMBIAN referee Janny Sikazwe has a reputation as one of the best in Africa – but what he did at the Africa Cup of Nations was bizarre.Sikazwe has been appointed to officiate Belgium vs Canada at the winter World Cup in Qatar.
      Sikazwe angered the Tunisian bench with his handling of the AFCON clashCredit: Reuters
      But after becoming a worldwide story due to farcical scenes in the match between Tunisia and Mali at AFCON, all eyes will be on the Zambian to see what he does next.Who is Janny Sikazwe?
      A familiar face to fans of African football over the past decade, Sikazwe was born in Kapiri Mposhi in 1979.
      After receiving his Fifa licence in 2010, he first progressed through international youth matches before taking charge of African Cup of Nations qualifiers in 2012.
      Since then he has moved up the ranks and has a reputation for being a leniant ref who likes the game to flow.
      But controversy reigned when Sikazwe took charge of the 2016 Club World Cup Final between Real Madrid and Kashima Antlers.
      When Sergio Ramos brought down an opponent having already been booked, the Zambian reached for a second yellow card and called the Galacticos captain over.
      Averaging just over 3 cards per game, the Zambian ref is one of the most statistically lenient in RussiaCredit: AFP – Getty
      But he then put his hand back in his pocket and bizarrely chose not to send Ramos off.
      Sikazwe subsequently said the decision was down to miscommunication and as he misheard his assistant over his earpiece, thinking he had called for a card when he actually said “foul, no card”.
      He officiated two games at the 2018 World Cup – Belgium v Panama and Japan v Poland. – but was the subject of more controversy later that year.
      Sikazwe was temporarily suspended on suspicion of corruption after his handling of an African Champions League match between Esperance and Primiero Agosto.
      He gave a controversial penalty for Esperance before ruling out a goal for their opponents due to a perceived foul on the keeper.
      The suspension by CAF was imposed in November 2018 but lifted just three months later by FIFA.
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      What happened in Tunisia vs Mali?
      Security were forced to race on to the pitch to protect the referee after a series of outrageous blunders during Mali’s 1-0 win over Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations.
      Sikazwe endured an horrific afternoon as he gave two controversial penalties, a questionable red card and TWICE ended the game early.
      He first awarded a penalty early in the second half after Ellyes Skhiri was deemed to have blocked Boubakar Kouyate’s shot with his arm.
      Sikazwe awarded another penalty with just 15 minutes on the clock after Wahbi Khazri’s shot smacked into Moussa Djenepo’s hand.
      The ref originally missed the handball and needed VAR to bail him out.
      The match between Mali and Tunisia ended in farce after the ref blew for time earlyCredit: Sky Sports
      Incredibly, Sikazwe then blew for full time on just 85 MINUTES – before enraged Tunisia officials pointed out his simply bizarre error.
      Sikazwe then sent off sub El Bilal Toure two minutes later for a slightly late challenge which was worthy of a yellow card at worst.
      He was instructed by VAR to look at it again, but after a glance at the pitchside video screen, he stuck by his decision.
      And to make matters worse, he then called for the end of the game early AGAIN.
      The players left the field and it did for a time look like play could resume, but eventually Tunisia failed to materialise giving Mali their 1-0 win.
      What has he said about the incident?
      The Zambian referee claimed to have heard from somebody that the match
      Sikazwe said: “I reached the point where I could start hearing some noise and I thought someone was communicating with me and people were telling me ‘no you ended the match’. It was a very strange situation.
      “I was going through my head to find who told me to end the match. Maybe I was talking to myself, I don’t know. That is how bad the situation was.”
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      World Cup 2022 – Spain 7-0 Costa Rica LIVE RESULT: Gavi makes World Cup history as Spain run riot – latest

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      SPAIN absolutely dominated Costa Rica to win 7-0 in their World Cup opener.The Spanish flew out the blocks with early strikes from Dani Olmo and Marco Asensio.
      Ferran Torres then scored a double before a stunning goal from Gavi saw Spain notch five.
      Gavi’s goal saw him create history as the youngest World Cup scorer since Pele in 1958, aged 18 years and 110 days.
      Subs Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata then hit Spain’s sixth and seventh in the comprehensive victory.

      Result: Spain 7 Costa Rica 0
      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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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Goodnight from Al Thumama Stadium
      That’s all from us here in Doha, but it’s not the end of Wednesday’s action.
      Before we draw a line under day four of Qatar 2022, there’s the small matter of Belgium’s opening game against Canada in Group F.
      Thanks for joining us, and goodbye.
      Teen dream for Barca’s Gavi
      The second Barcelona teenager in Spain’s midfield also put in a first class performance as La Roja thrashed Costa Rica.
      At 18 years, 110 days old, Gavi became the third youngest goalscorer in World Cup history, and the youngest since a certain Pele notched in the 1958 final.

      Next up in Group E
      It’s been a record-breaking beginning to Qatar 2022 for one of Europe’s fancied outfits – Spain – but for another in Germany, it has been a horrendous opening day debacle.
      The group is back in action on Sunday, and should Japan get the better of crushed Costa Rica and Spain succeed again, then Germany would be eliminated before the final round of games.

      Japan v Costa Rica (10am)
      Spain v Germany (7pm)

      Pedri the pass master
      Nineteen-year-old Pedri was only on the pitch for 57 minutes but dictated the tempo from the off, showing himself to be instrumental to what was a dominant first half display.
      Undoubtedly rested for challenges ahead, the Barcelona teenager continues to prove himself as Spain’s latest superstar.

      Spain soar to the top
      Luis Enrique’s Spain team turned on the style with a seven-goal showing that has taken them straight to the top of Group E.
      La Roja take over first spot from Japan, who got their campaign off to a scintillating start by coming from behind to beat Germany earlier today.

      Germany 1-2 Japan
      Spain 7-0 Costa Rica

      Credit: FIFA.com
      Extra! Read all about it!
      Costa Rica didn’t muster a single attempt this evening, but thankfully Dan King has put in more effort.
      Our man in Doha has filed his match report of Spain’s seven-goal drubbing of Los Ticos at the Al Thumama Stadium – a result that has left Germany with much to ponder in Group E.
      Costa Rica were not capable of doing a Japan and King Felipe VI was in the stands to give royal approval to the destruction of the former Spanish colony.Dan KingThe Sun

      Stats from Al Thumama Stadium
      It’s hard to know what is most impressive about Spain’s crushing of Costa Rica.
      The fact that they clocked up 17 attempts without conceding a single effort at their own goal? Or even their 82% possession?
      Or perhaps it’s their 976 completed passes that WhoScored tell us is more than Iran, Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Poland have managed combined at this World Cup (906).

      Full time – Spain 7-0 Costa Rica
      When Spain won the World Cup in 2010, they only scored eight goals in the whole tournament – they’ve struck seven in their opening game of Qatar 2022.
      La Roja were excellent, but take everything away from Costa Rica: they were awful and didn’t register a single shot on goal.
      Spain 7-0 Costa Rica – Campbell yellow card
      90+7. Joel Campbell picks up a booking late in injury time for a poor challenge Soler just outside of the area.
      Here’s a player desperately trying to get himself suspended for the upcoming defeats to Japan and Germany.
      Spain 7-0 Costa Rica
      90+3. As the old song almost goes: “7-0 – even Alvaro Morata scored!”
      The substitute exchanges some slick passes with Dani Olmo outside the box, and then shifts himself quickly left to belt low into the bottom left corner.
      It’s fine play, a lovely finish, but the amount of space that the Spain attackers are gifted is bordering on criminal.

      Seventh heaven for Spain!

      Spain 6-0 Costa Rica
      90+1. We’re into eight minutes of stoppage time.
      On the one hand, it seems harsh on Costa Rica. But then their performance has been so pathetic, that they deserve everything they get.
      Spain 6-0 Costa Rica
      90. Six of the best for Spain!
      Keylor Navas built a Real Madrid career on being a safe pair of hands, but he’s been anything but today.
      The Costa Rica goalkeeper fails to deal with a low cross driven in from Nico Williams on the right, and the rebound falls invitingly for Carlos Soler to lash in from 12 yards out.

      Soler power!

      Spain 5-0 Costa Rica
      88. A bizarre moment as Morata pulls out of the opportunity to challenge Navas for the ball after chasing a killer pass slipped into the area.
      I’d say that was 70-30 in favour of the Spain striker before he gave it up.
      Spain 5-0 Costa Rica
      86. Inside the final five minutes (plus inexplicable injury time). Will Spain find a sixth? They could easily if they really wanted to.
      Spain 5-0 Costa Rica
      84. It’s safe to say that Costa Rica won’t be progressing from Group E, but what must the Germans be thinking now?
      They face Spain on Sunday, and could be eliminated if they lose that one too.
      Spain 5-0 Costa Rica
      82. We were just treated to a replay of that Gavi goal. It really is an exquisite finish.
      Spain 5-0 Costa Rica
      80. Navas and then the offside flag deny Morata from getting himself on the scoresheet.
      Even in a brilliant side, the striker has the air of someone constantly haunted by bad luck.
      Spain 5-0 Costa Rica
      78. The great thing about Gavi is he is capable of the sublime – as we just witnessed – but also likes to get stuck in like a Lincoln City centre-half.
      After a melee caused by Aguilera’s hefty challenge on Laporte, the teenager is straight across to ensure he is front and centre of any squaring up.

      Spain 5-0 Costa Rica
      76. At 18 years and 110 days, Gavi is the youngest goalscorer at a World Cup since Pele in the 1958 final.
      Whatever happened to that guy?
      Spain 5-0 Costa Rica
      74. Outrageous from Gavi!
      The 18-year-old makes it five with a gorgeous finish with the outside of his right boot, one that catches Keylor Navas out to clatter in off the post.
      Alvaro Morata mights have scored seconds earlier, but found himself denied by the Costa Rica goalkeeper.
      However, the substitute kept his cool to retrieve possession, look up, and clip over a cross for the teenager arriving just inside the box.
      One sweet, smart volley later, and Spain have five!

      Teenage kicks!

      Spain 4-0 Costa Rica – Costa Rica substitution
      72. Another minute passes, another substitution is made.
      It’s Brandon Aguilera on for Celso Borges. At this stage, they may as well have sent on Christina.
      Spain 4-0 Costa Rica – Spain substitution
      70. The second half has been broken up by a flurry of substitutions – and that probably suits both teams.
      While Costa Rica avoid a complete walloping, Spain are taking the opportunity to rest legs and the latest change is an interesting one.
      Young Nico Williams is on for his fourth cap, replacing Marco Asensio.
      The winger’s brother – Inaki Williams – is also at the World Cup, repressing Ghana. Could they meet in the later stages?
      Load more entries… More

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      Harry Kane TRAINS after injury scare in huge boost to England ahead of World Cup 2022 clash against USA

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      ENGLAND have received a major injury boost as captain Harry Kane trained with the rest of the squad ahead of Friday’s clash with USA.The Three Lions were left stressing on Kane’s fitness last Monday after the Tottenham superstar went to hospital for a scan on his ankle.
      England captain Harry Kane trained with the rest of the squad ahead of the clash with USACredit: Getty
      Tottenham superstar Harry Kane suffered a knock in the World Cup opener against IranCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane looks set to play for England against USA in the World CupCredit: Getty
      The star striker felt discomfort after the 6-2 win over Iran and was sent for tests by manager Gareth Southgate as a precaution.
      But the 29-year-old took part in full training with the rest of his international team-mates at Al Wakrah Stadium.

      The England captain stood out against Iran as he bagged two assists.
      But Kane was taken off after 76 minutes after being clattered while concerned fans watched from the stands.
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      The Spurs hero was spotted hobbling and had his ankle strapped in the media mixed zone after the clash.
      But Southgate insisted Kane is “fine” and revealed he took him off as a precaution.
      The England boss said: “I think Harry’s fine. It looked a bad tackle but he carried on in the game.
      “We took him off really because we felt it was a moment we could do that.
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      “It was good to be able to refresh the forward line not only to get the players on, but also to get the players on because there were some very close calls in who starts in those positions.
      “We have some fabulous talent and we had players that, if we needed them to change the game, they could do it.” More

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      ‘Unprofessional and arrogant’ – Antonio Rudiger blasted for ‘disrespecting’ Japan stars with wacky run in World Cup loss

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER has been labelled “arrogant” after producing a bizarre run during Germany’s shock loss to Japan in their World Cup opener.Hansi Flick’s men led 1-0 up until the 75th minute and were pressing for a second goal as Japanese keeper Shuichi Gonda was forced into several good saves.
      Antonio Rudiger produced a ridiculous run mocking Japan while Germany were aheadCredit: BBC
      Rudiger was ultimately left disappointed at the end of the nightCredit: Getty
      Hamann has blasted Rudiger for his wacky run during the matchCredit: Getty
      With his side ahead, Rudiger was forced to chase a ball over the top and usher it out of play.
      But he strangely decided to perform a wacky run while letting the ball run away.
      It was something which drew the eye at the time, but looked somewhat embarrassing at full-time as Rudiger’s Germany conceded twice late on.
      And the shock defeat has led former Liverpool and Germany midfielder Didi Hamann to slam Rudiger’s behaviour.
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      He said: “Rudiger lifts up his legs and do you know. You don’t belittle the opposition [like that] because it always comes back at some stage.
      “I think it was very unprofessional. I think it was out of order. Arrogant. He was having a laugh. There’s only one team having a laugh now.
      “The spirit of the game is about respecting the opposition, respecting your opponent. And he didn’t do it.
      “I’ve got no explanation or excuse for it.”
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      Hamann also took aim at Flick’s decision not to include experienced Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels in his 26-man squad.
      He added: “I’m not saying that one player makes all the difference, but I think the fact that he didn’t take Hummels.
      “He takes Bella-Kotchap from Southampton, who’s a very good young player. He took another player from Leipzig, Klostermann, who hasn’t played for four months.
      “And it just doesn’t make sense to me. I think it shows that he wants a quiet team. But a quiet team won’t win anything and I think it showed today.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Next up for Germany is a must-win game against Spain on Saturday evening.
      Luis Enrique’s side kicked off their Group E campaign with a thumping 7-0 victory over Costa Rica. More

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      Gavi, 18, makes history as Spain’s youngest ever World Cup scorer and breaks 64-year record

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      BARCELONA star Gavi made history in Spain’s 7-0 win over Costa Rica.The Barcelona midfielder is now the YOUNGEST ever World Cup goal scorer.
      Gavi became Spain’s youngest-ever World Cup goal scorer with his strike against Costa RicaCredit: Getty
      And in doing so, he also broke an incredible record which had stood for 64 YEARS.
      Gavi was on top form as he scored Spain’s fifth tonight.
      Ferran Torres struck twice as Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio, Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata also joined in the fun.
      And the result saw Spain record their biggest-ever World Cup win since 1998’s 6-1 victory over Bulgaria.
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      But there was another highlight for Luis Enrique as he proudly watched teenager Gavi pull the strings from midfield.
      The Barcelona playmaker delighted fans as he scored in the 74th minute with a delicate finish.
      And in doing so, Gavi became Spain’s youngest World Cup scorer aged just 18 years and 110 days.
      The previous record was held by fellow midfielder Pirri, who was 21 years and 124 days old when he scored against Argentina in 1966.
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      Gavi had a great game against Costa Rica
      It was just the latest achievement for the wonderkid, who won the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy awards earlier this year.
      He was already his country’s youngest-ever goal scorer, having netted against the Czech Republic in June’s Nations League match aged 17 years and 304 days.
      However, Gavi’s World Cup goal on Wednesday also saw him shatter a 64-year-old record held by none other than football legend Pele.

      The Brazil icon is the youngest-ever goal scorer in World Cup history, netting against Wales in 1958.
      Pele also scored against Sweden in the 1958 final 10 days later.
      And Gavi is now the youngest World Cup goal scorer since Pele hit his brilliant strike against the Swedes over six decades ago.
      Read More on The Sun
      Gavi is also now the third-youngest player to net at a World Cup behind Pele and Manuel Rosas.
      He was 18 years and 93 days old when he scored for Mexico against Argentina in 1930 – beating Gavi by just 17 days. More

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      Watch moment sneaky World Cup fan tries genius hack to sneak booze into Qatar stadium

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      THIS is the moment a World Cup fan appears to have a novel way to sneak alcohol into a Qatar stadium before a match.Footage posted on Reddit appears to show a Mexico fan being searched by a member of the security team at the ground.
      The security guard first tries to look through the pair of binocularsCredit: Reddit/Aldosarii
      The guard appears to suspect something is odd and unscrews the lensCredit: Reddit/Aldosarii
      The flask is cunningly disguised as a pair of binocularsCredit: Amazon
      Another man wearing a black and red baseball cap can be seen talking to the security guard as he examines a pair of binoculars.
      It all looks innocent enough as the security guard puts up the binoculars to his eyes.
      But there is more to things than it first appears when the security guard then unscrews one of the lenses and then makes a gesture of raising the binoculars to his lips, as if he was drinking from it.
      It would seem the binoculars are actually a novelty flask.
      Read More on the World Cup
      A similar product is advertised on retail site Amazon, which describes it as being “the perfect festival accessory” and is capable of holding 16oz of liquid.
      It is currently being sold for £16.95.
      Many commentators on the social media site found the brief clip hilarious.
      One said: “Hahahaha thats actually funny. The smirk at the end.”
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      A second added: “”No no no, my friend…” hahaha. I love how the different ethnicities of the security agencies are figuring stuff out together.”
      Others though questioned if the binoculars actually contained hand sanitiser, rather than the suspected banned alcohol.
      However, one commentator quickly shot down that theory by writing: “I don’t think he will go through this effort to smuggle a sanitiser lol.”
      While it has not been confirmed, the fan wearing a green football shirt appears to be a Mexico supporter who went to see yesterday’s Group C game against Poland.
      The match though failed to come to life and ended up in a goalless draw.
      Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski failed to put Poland ahead in the 57th minute after being awarded a penalty thanks to Mexico’s veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa making a fantastic save.
      Read More on The Sun
      Later on in the match, substitute Raul Jimenez came on with 20 minutes to go, but he wasted a good break and Mexico could not create a clear-cut chance.
      Grzegorz Krychowiak fired wide in stoppage-time from distance, and Lewandowski and Poland were left to rue missing their golden opportunity.
      The guard raises the ‘binoculars’ to his lips as if he is about to drink from itCredit: Reddit/Aldosarii More

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      Japan fans clean up on and off the pitch as they stick around to tidy stadium after famous World Cup win over Germany

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      JAPANESE fans continued their custom of cleaning up stadiums – even after the most incredible victory in their World Cup history.They downed four-time world champions Germany after a late comeback in their opening game in Qatar.
      Japanese supporters stayed behind to tidy up after their win over GermanyCredit: Getty
      Their fans continued their tradition of cleaning up despite the famous victoryCredit: Getty
      Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan had fired Germany ahead from the penalty spot midway through the first half.
      That looked to have set Germany on their way to a routine victory as they dominated for large spells.
      But Japan sent the Khalifa International Stadium into disbelief with a frantic turnaround in the final quarter of an hour.
      Substitute Ritsu Doan grabbed a deserved equaliser in the 75th minute.
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      Then fellow sub Takuma Asano beat the offside trap and ran through towards goal before thumping in from a tight angle to seal the 2-1 win.
      Both the squad, staff and supporters appeared to be in disbelief at the final whistle as they erupted in euphoria.

      But after the celebrations had ended, those in the stands soon went into clean-up mode.
      Supporters decked out in Japan jerseys were spotted going up and down the stands with see-through blue bin bags collecting rubbish.
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      It comes after several Japanese fans did the same thing after attending the World Cup opening game between Qatar and Ecuador.
      And at the end of the game they went around the Al Bayt Stadium picking up rubbish and collecting Qatar flags left behind by fans.
      One Qatari fan was so shocked he began filming the group of Japanese supporters before joining in to help.
      He asked why they chose to clean up before hugging one supporter and telling the group how much he respected him.
      A fan explained their actions saying: “We never leave, Japanese never leave rubbish behind us. We respect the place.”
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      Japanese fans have a reputation to uphold after cleaning up after themselves at the Russia World Cup in 2018.
      Win, lose or draw they always tidy up and take bin bags to games – including at the 2014 World Cup. More

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      Spain 7 Costa Rica 0: Spanish stars run riot and record biggest win of World Cup 2022 so far with lethal performance

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      TAKE that, minnows! Spain restored some sort of order by thrashing Costa Rica 7-0 for their biggest World Cup win ever.
      Spain kicked off their World Cup campaign in style with a 7-0 win over Costa RicaCredit: Reuters
      Luis Enrique’s men ran riot as they fired out a message to rivalsCredit: Getty
      Unlike Mexico and Poland the previous evening, Luis Enrique’s team took full advantage of the shock defeat of one of football’s superpowers – in their case, Group E rivals Germany.
      Costa Rica were not capable of doing a Japan and King Felipe VI was in the stands to give royal approval to the destruction of the former Spanish colony. 
      Midfield maestro Gavi made history by volleying the fifth goal to become Spain’s youngest ever goalscorer in a World Cup at 18 years and 111 days.
      The previous youngest player from any nation to find the net was Pele, in the 1958 final.
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      Spain won’t be dreaming of a second world title just yet.
      That’s despite beating their previous World Cup goal-scoring high, a 6-1 win over Bulgaria in 1998.

      But if you had forgotten what a total mismatch looked like, here it was.
      When Costa Rica lined up not in the predicted 5-4-1, but a narrow 4-4-2, you hoped they were going to show some endeavour.
      Dani Olmo opened the scoring for SpainCredit: Getty
      Marco Asensio made it 2-0 with a fine finishCredit: AFP
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      Ferran Torres netted his first of the game with a penaltyCredit: Reuters
      The Barcelona star doubled his tally in the second halfCredit: Getty
      But they never got started and the game was soon finished.
      Dani Olmo had already missed one golden chance before latching on to Gavi’s deflected attempt at a one-two and beating Keylor Navas in the 11th minute.
      You always felt the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper was going to need to have a good night if the Ticos were to have any chance.
      But he didn’t. The move for Spain’s second was impressive, but Navas’ attempt to keep out Asensio’s shot from a Jordi Alba cross, was not.
      Gavi made history with his strike for SpainCredit: Reuters
      Carlos Soler came off the bench to grab Spain’s sixth goalCredit: Getty
      The Central American nation looked beaten already. Hector Duarte’s clumsy challenge on Jordi Alba had the stench of despair about it.
      And Torres did a speeded-up Jorginho routine to make it three from the penalty spot.
      Luis Suarez sent his players back out on to the pitch early after the break and they huddled together in search of the will to play for pride at least.
      But a mix-up between Navas and Bryan Oviedo allowed Torres to make it four.
      There was even a chance for Alvaro Morata to get on the score sheetCredit: Getty
      Spain boss Luis Enrique was delighted with his side’s performanceCredit: Reuters
      It was so comfortable that Enrique felt it was safe to send on Alvaro Morata to see if he could boost his confidence.
      And he did, first by crossing for Gavi to make it five.
      In doing so, he became the third-youngest goalscorer in World Cup history after Pele and Manuel Rosas – as well as the youngest in Spain’s history.
      Costa Rica’s frustration threatened to boil over in a scuffle with just over 10 minutes left.
      But that was about all the fight they showed.
      Substitute Carlos Soler scored the sixth and Morata made it seven in the third of eight unnecessarily cruel minutes of stoppage time, as Spain put the world to rights – for one evening at least. More