Led by Sergio Busquets and Pedri, Spain absolutely eviscerated Costa Rica by a score of 7-0. The Spanish midfield showed that they may be the best unit in the World Cup, playing dazzling through-balls and dominating possession with 82%. Practically every Spanish player turned in a quality performance, showing that the 2010 champions are a prime candidate to win another trophy.
Unai Simon – 6.5
As Costa Rica failed to fire off a single shot, Simon essentially had the day off.
Rodri – 8
With near-perfect passing, Rodri had a quiet day on the backline. Costa Rica did not possess the ball for long enough to create any sort of threatening attack against the centre-backs.
Aymeric Laporte – 8.5
Likewise, Laporte was not called upon to make many defensive stops, but he did well helping Spain build from the back. As his side dominated time on the ball, he managed an astounding 90 touches in the first half alone.
Jordi Alba – 9
Alba was simply faultless. He played in a progressive, offensive-minded position that facilitated Spain’s play on the left wing with ease. In the first half, the full-back picked up a fine assist and played well with Dani Olmo.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8.5
While Alba had a flashy game on the left, the Chelsea man had a quietly sublime showing on the right. He played deeper, often drifting into the interior to overwhelm the midfield. The defender played a crucial role in retaining possession and building attacks.
Gavi – 8
The youngster became Spain’s youngest-ever World Cup goalscorer with a fine volley in the 74th minute. While the youngster turned the ball over too often, his overall day was brilliant.
Sergio Busquets – 9
Unsurprisingly, Busquets’ role as a deep-lying playmaker was essential to Spain’s success. While he did not pick up an assist and managed just one key pass, the Barcelona man ripped apart the Costa Rica defense with his incisive passing.
Pedri – 9.5
Pedri was seemingly everywhere on the pitch, confounding the Costa Rica midfield. He passed the ball at a 97% mark and won several tackles while acting as the beating heart of this elite Spain midfield.
Ferran Torres – 9
The right winger was in fabulous form, playing a free-roaming winger position. He netted two goals, a penalty and one from open play, while dominating the Costa Rica backline.
Dani Olmo – 9
After misfiring early on, Olmo came alive, turning in a fantastic performance. He played well with Alba in the channel while creating chance after chance and shot after shot. The forward finished with a goal and an assist in the drubbing.
Marco Asensio – 7.5
Asensio created several of Spain’s chances, but his finishing was not at his best. He netted one superb volley, though he realistically could have scored three more.
Gavi means history. He’s third youngest goalscorer in World Cup history with 18 years and 110 days following Pelé (!) and Manuel Rosas. ⭐️?? #Qatar2022
He’s the youngest goalscorer in Spain history at World Cup.
Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy winner this year.
Born August 5, 2004. pic.twitter.com/SybJhqSosJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 23, 2022
Substitutes
Alvaro Morata – 8
Morata came on with over 30 minutes remaining and left his mark on the match, picking up a goal and an assist.
Carlos Soler – 7.5
Soler was another Spanish substitute who netted a goal off the bench.