Spain make World Cup statement by smashing seven past Costa Rica

Spain’s victory eclipsed their previous biggest World Cup win, a 6-1 defeat of Bulgaria in France 24 years ago.

Gavi celebrates scoring Spain’s fifth goal in their 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica (Adam Davy/PA)

Spain recorded their biggest-ever World Cup win as a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica underlined their credentials as tournament contenders in Qatar.

The contest was over within 31 minutes as Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio and Ferran Torres, from the penalty spot, rewarded one-touch passing and movement that Costa Rica could not live with.