An upheaval-filled The 2022 FIFA World Cup opens Wednesday on FOX with Spain taking on Costa Rica, and we’ve got every must-see event covered from start to finish!
Earlier, Morocco held 2018 runner-up Croatia to a 0-0 draw, while Japan upset Germany with two late goals to win 2-1.
Spain, the World Cup winner in 2010, will want to prevent a repeat performance. The Spaniards are significantly favourites to win (-769 on FOX Bet) against a Costa Rica team that did not advance beyond the group round in 2018. Costa Rica, on the other hand, will attempt to repeat the formula utilised by Japan and Saudi Arabia by relying on great goalkeeper performance from ace Keylor Navas, who has extensive European club experience with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
This game, as well as every other match in the tournament, can be seen on the FOX Sports family of networks — the event’s official English-language broadcast partner in the United States — as well as the FOX Sports app and FOXSports.com. Full-match replays are also available for free on Tubi.
Here are the standout performances from Wednesday’s group stage action.
Costa Rica vs. Spain
Enrique has faith in his team.
Spain has had uneven performances in previous World Cups since winning it all in 2010. Spain was eliminated in the Round of 16 by host nation Russia in 2018, while they did not go beyond the group stage in 2014. This year’s lineup is loaded with fresh potential, with nine players from powerhouse clubs FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Manager Luis Enrique, a former Spanish national team player, believes his squad has what it takes to bring Spain back to World Cup success.
Costa Rica sings proudly and loudly.
Costa Rica is competing in their third World Cup in a row, having reached the quarterfinals in 2014. However, during the national anthem, its players are still taking in the occasion and exhibiting their country patriotism.
5′: Spain squandered a chance.
Dani Olmo got a clear shot on goal following a wonderful pass, but his effort was off-target, resulting in a huge squandered opportunity for Spain to grab an early lead.
Dani doesn’t waste any time!
Olmo’s skillful dancing in the area forced Navas out of the net, and Olmo skipped the ball past the Costa Rica goalie for a spectacular goal to put Spain up 1-0.
21′: Asencio scores to make it 2-0.
Marco Asensio’s bullet off a fantastic cross from Jordi Alba reaches the back of the net to give Spain another goal early in the game.
Spain is ROLLING at 30′
Spain takes a 3-0 lead thanks to a penalty kick from Ferran Torres, and the Spaniards are swiftly turning this game into a rout.