<p>It was clear prior to the 2022 World Cup that Luis Enrique had his Spain team organized. They had been progressing well since Euro 2020 and expected to reach the semi-finals in Qatar.</p>



<p>Whilst it’s not always wise to draw conclusions from one match, the 7-0 dismantling of Costa Rica was eye-opening. So dominant was La Roja’s victory, they may well start to readjust their pre-tournament aims.</p>



<p>Germany’s defeat to Japan earlier in the day was the first part of Spain’s turning point. Die Mannschaft were predicted to win the group, but are immediately in trouble.</p>



<p>Their defeat to Japan gives Spain the chance to secure qualification after just two matches.</p>



<h2>Spain are better than people realized</h2>



<p>Costa Rica were disappointing on Wednesday. They were weak defensively and had no attacking outlet. It was a shadow of the team that so brilliantly shocked the globe in 2014.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Spain vs. Costa Rica Highlights | 2022 FIFA World Cup" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2hSVDLPWeKA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>With that being said, Spain were magnificent. Gavi and Pedri are two stupendously talented young footballers. That was clear. However, Wednesday showed they could be the next Xavi and Iniesta.</p>



<p>Sergio Busquets could have played in his slippers. He was in his element. Sat just behind the two energetic prodigies, the veteran simply sprayed the ball around the pitch at will, pulling Costa Rican defenders out of position.</p>



<p>A fluid frontline of Ferran Torres, Marco Asensio and Dani Olmo drew criticism prior to kick-off. By half-time there wasn’t a negative word to be found.</p>



<p>The trio interlinked so well, inspired by Olmo’s verticality and they made chances with ease.</p>



<p>This was a dynamic that few envisaged within the current La Roja team. Many anticipated that Luis Enrique would stick with a no.9 in Alvaro Morata. Instead, the coach was brave and showed his team to have another dimension.</p>



<h2>Group E has a clear road-map after dramatic opening day</h2>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/spain-national-team-tv-schedule/">La Roja’s</a> victory puts them in a fantastic position. Their goal difference is phenomenal and they face Germany next.</p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/germany-national-team-tv-schedule/">Germany</a> are low on confidence after a surprise defeat to Japan. Spain will take advantage of that when they meet on Sunday evening.</p>



<p>Victory in that game would guarantee progression for Spain. A draw would essentially do the same.</p>



<p>The problem in Group E is the fact that Costa Rica look so weak. Japan shouldn’t have any trouble against them.</p>



<p>On the evidence of Wednesday, the 2010 World Cup winners should have no trouble against Germany. Group E has a clear road-map which could see two teams through after two games.</p>



<h2>Should La Roja re-evaluate their World Cup aims?</h2>



<p>Winning 7-0 at a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> finals is rare. Luis Enrique’s charges need to enjoy the moment.</p>



<p>They should, though, ask themselves whether they are further along than they thought.</p>



<p>Luis Enrique’s coaching has been impressive since he resumed control of the team. Wednesday showed that the essence of tiki-taka is alive and well.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12098/12753821/pedri-and-gavi-evoke-memories-of-xavi-hernandez-and-andres-iniesta-in-spain-rout-world-cup-hits-and-misses" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gavi and Pedri</a> could be the world’s best midfield duo in 1-2 years. They are already spectacular. In my pre-tournament <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/can-spain-win-world-cup-20221119-WST-408552.html">preview</a> of Spain’s chances for World Soccer Talk, I suggested the team didn’t have a world class player. Gavi and Pedri could prove me spectacularly wrong by the time we reach the final at the Lusail Stadium.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / Agencia MexSport</em></p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


Spain lay down a marker with Costa Rica victory

Spain eased to a 7-0 victory in their World Cup opener, displaying a style of football that few believed they could perfect as soon as 2022.

Spain lay down a marker with Costa Rica victory - World Soccer Talk

<p>Spain head to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">2022 World Cup</a> in Qatar with a settled squad and coaching setup.</p>



<p>After the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-spain-luisenrique/former-spain-coach-luis-enriques-daughter-loses-cancer-battle-idUKKCN1VJ2PF" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">catastrophic bereavement</a> process Luis Enrique had to go through in his personal life, the Spanish coach returned to lead La Roja into Euro 2020.</p>



<p>It was a tournament that didn’t start especially well. The former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> coach had been absent for much of the qualification process. Many were unhappy that he retook control from Robert Moreno.</p>



<p>Draws with Poland and Sweden left Spain needing to defeat Slovakia to make it into the knockout stage. Spain won 5-0. Then, it beat Croatia and Switzerland to reach the semifinal. and then beat Switzerland and Croatia to reach the semi-final.</p>



<p>Eventual winners <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/italy-national-team-tv-schedule/">Italy</a> eliminated Luis Enrique’s side at that point. But, Enrique reestablished his credibility.</p>



<p>Now, he is heading to Qatar with fans and players completely behind him. La Roja recognize their golden generation is gone. Nevertheless, hopes are still high for the World Cup.</p>



<p>Many want to know whether they can win the tournament. Perhaps that goal is too lofty for a young Spanish side.</p>



<h5>Tempering expectations</h5>



<p>Luis Enrique has made bold decisions with his squad selection for the World Cup. There isn’t a space for either David de Gea or Kepa Arrizabalaga.</p>



<p>Such a decision would have been unthinkable when he first took charge. Thiago Alcantara didn’t make the cut whilst Gavi and Pedri will lead the team in midfield.</p>



<p>When you look at the Spanish squad headed to Qatar you are immediately struck by something. There isn’t a world class player in it. Sergio Busquets would have been, once. Yet, he declined as he aged. There are some truly elite players on this squad. For example, Rodri, Aymeric Laporte and Pedri are world class. But, none are the best of the best.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Spain coach Luis Enrique has launched a Twitch channel for the World Cup 🎙🇪🇸<br><br>He hopes that by talking directly to fans he&apos;ll be able to provide them with insights previously only offered to media, along with behind the scenes updates about the team and unique analysis of games. <a href="https://t.co/ZVr9OzJfSA">pic.twitter.com/ZVr9OzJfSA</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1592472481259933697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Spanish fans were able to enjoy living through their glorious period which began in 2008. They had Iker Casillas, Gerard Pique, Xavi, Busquets and Andres Iniesta. At the same time, it would have been completely legitimate to claim Spain had the best goalkeeper, center-half and midfield trio in world soccer all in one single team.</p>



<p>That’s no longer there. It has been more of a return to problems the Spanish faced between 1980 and 2005. They have a lot of brilliant players, but no generationally talented ones.</p>



<p>This has potential to be an issue. However, Luis Enrique has a strong squad who are well drilled in playing together. Euro 2020 showed the work the coach has put in. The style of soccer from the Spanish team was attractive and they could have gone to the final.</p>



<p>Playing in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> is much harder. There is more pressure and a wider variety of teams who can challenge you. Spain need to avoid trying to run before they can walk. Aiming for the semi-final would be realistic and a fair target.</p>



<h2>Spain chances of winning World Cup 2022</h2>



<p>Having been drawn in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">Group E</a> alongside <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/costa-rica-national-team-tv-schedule/">Costa Rica</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/japan-national-team-tv-schedule/">Japan</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/germany-national-team-tv-schedule/">Germany</a>, La Roja are expected to reach the knockout phase. Playing Germany second is a blessing. It allows Luis Enrique’s side to avoid losing first and then having to play catchup for the remainder of the group. No matter where Spain finish in Group E, they will face a difficult match in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">round of 16</a>.</p>



<p>Both Croatia and Belgium expect to come through Group F, and will pose a challenge to Spain. Possible meetings with Brazil or Portugal could follow, both of which would be difficult. If you are to talk about individual talent, Spain don’t have enough to win the tournament. If they come up against Kylian Mbappe, Neymar or Lionel Messi their defense will struggle.</p>



<p>Picking a Spain win from matches against any of France, Argentina or Brazil isn’t easy. It’s difficult to see them beating any of those teams. That is, ultimately, where La Roja will fall short at the 2022 World Cup. Only a fortunate draw will allow them to win the World Cup.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


What is success for Spain at the 2022 World Cup?

Luis Enrique has an incredibly settled atmosphere within his squad, but are Spain talented enough to win the 2022 World Cup?

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Spain lay down a marker with Costa Rica victory

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What is success for Spain at the 2022 World Cup?