Spain defeated Costa Rica 7-0 in the first match of the Qatar World Cup 2022 with a true collective and individual exhibition.
Despite the fact that the rival hardly put up opposition, Luis Enrique Martínez raised a perfect match to offer the greatest number of variations to his pieces. Here we tell you the three keys to his approach.
The 3 tactical keys to Spain’s win against Costa Rica
Low sides under construction: Luis Enrique used Jordi Alba and César Azpilicueta as center backs. Both had a clear role: Start down next to the center backs to force the Costa Rican opposition front line to open up and leave more space inside. If they didn’t open up, both of them could receive with advantages to progress. Both Jordi and Azpilicueta could gain meters, but their relevance in the game went through their first passes.
Open ends with freedom to go inside: Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo played as wingers in the 4-3-3. Both played open within the system, taking into account that the full-backs started low, with the intention of opening the Costa Rican defensive line. Dani Olmo had a little more freedom to receive from the inside and attack the back of the rival defense. Both received with advantage to reach auction areas.
Marco Asensio as a false reference: The Real Madrid player played as a center forward in the 4-3-3 formation, but with a lot of freedom to receive between the lines to hurt the Costa Rican defensive block inside. He was undetectable by the rival, taking into account that he alternated his heights and the lanes he stepped on very well.
Spain’s game was very complete in every way. Great individual performances (Gavi, Pedri, Busquets…) and optimal performance against a very weak team. Good start thinking about the match against Germany next day.