Luis Enrique shakes up the defense by deploying Rodri in the center-back role, while Asensio and Azpilicueta step in ahead of Morata and Carvajal in the lineup updates.
The Spanish squad begins its World Cup campaign with the aim of securing the country’s second world title. The first hurdle on the road to glory arrives in the form of Costa Rica, a side known for a tight, compact block that poses a stubborn challenge to the Spaniards under the guidance of Luis Enrique Martinez.
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Spain faces a few early concerns. Dani Carvajal and Álvaro Morata are momentarily under the weather with a cold, while Hugo Guillamón suffers a knee issue and there are no guaranteed starters. Carvajal, the usual right-back for the national team, misses the clash with the Costa Ricans, prompting César Azpilicueta to slot into the defense. In attack, Morata and Marco Asensio line up away from the traditional false nine role after Morata’s impressive showing in last week’s friendly against Jordan. This shift signals a broader experimentation in the forward line by the head coach.
Surprises continue as Unai Simón earns the starting place in goal, with Aymeric Laporte pairing Rodri in central defense and Jordi Alba operating on the left. The midfield line reflects Barcelona-dominant influence with Sergio Busquets, Pedri González, and Gavi controlling the tempo, while Koke Resurrection and Carlos Soler push for minutes in a tight midfield battle. On the attacking front, Ferrán Torres has recovered fitness, Dani Olmo joins Asensio, and Pablo Sarabia and Ansu Fati remain in contention for starting roles as the tournament approaches.
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Costa Rica, focused on their own game
To secure a positive result in their World Cup opener, Spain will need to breach a well-organized Costa Rican unit. The Costa Rican coach Luis Fernando Suárez has built a resilient side that has grown through the months leading to the tournament. The team features familiar faces such as Keylor Navas in goal, Oscar Duarte in central defense, Celso Borges in midfield, and Joel Campbell leading the line. Veteran Bryan Ruiz provides quality in midfield, while 37-year-old Ruiz might still feature as a starter on the night. Among the newer talents who could make an impact are Anthony Contreras and the lively winger Jewison Bennette, both of whom have the potential to trouble the Spanish defense early in the game.
Analyses and insights on the Spain squad and the Costa Rica side are available from Goal, offering a deeper look at tactical setups and player form.
Click here for the Qatar World Cup 2022 Guide and a dedicated breakdown of both teams’ chances
ALIGNMENTS OF SPAIN VS. COSTA RICA
Spain (1-4-3-3): Unai Simón; Azpilicueta, Rodri, Laporte, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Pedri, Gavi; Ferrán, Dani Olmo, Asensio.
Costa Rica (1-4-4-2): Keylor Navas; Kellin Fuller, Oscar Duarte, Calvo, Bryan Oviedo; Gerson Torres, Borges, Tejeda, Bryan Ruiz/Bennette; Joel Campbell, Anthony Contreras
WHEN AND WHERE IS SPAIN VS. COSTA RICA
THE CALL FOR SPAIN VS. COSTA RICA
SPAIN
keepers: Unai Simón, Robert Sánchez and David Raya
defenses: Dani Carvajal, César Azpilicueta, Eric García, Hugo Guillamón, Pau Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba and Alejandro Balde
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo Hernández, Pablo Gavi, Carlos Soler, Marcos Llorente, Pedri González and Koke Resurrección
strikers: Ferrán Torres, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Álvaro Morata, Marco Asensio, Pablo Sarabia, Dani Olmo and Ansu Fati
COSTA RICA
keepers: Keylor Navas, Esteban Alvarado and Patrick Sequeira
defenses: Óscar Duarte, Juan Pablo Vargas, Bryan Oviedo, Francisco Calvo, Kendall Waston, Keysher Fuller, Daniel Chacón, Carlos Martínez and Ronald Matarrita
Midfielders: Celso Borges, Bryan Ruiz, Yeltsin Tejeda, Youstin Salas, Gerson Torres, Douglas López, Roan Wilson, Álvaro Zamora, Brandon Aguilera and Anthony Hernández
strikers: Joel Campbell, Anthony Contreras, Jewison Bennette and Johan Venegas
INJURED AND CREATED FROM SPAIN VS. COSTA RICA
SPAIN
COSTA RICA
SCHEDULE AND WHERE TO SEE SPAIN LIVE. COSTA RICA
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