World Cup: Spain boss Luis Enrique won’t celebrate Costa Rica’s humiliation
Spain boss Luis Enrique said that “praise weakens you” when discussing his team’s performance in their opening match of the 2022 World Cup.
A dominant La Roja recorded a 7-0 victory over Costa Rica on Wednesday, with the result moving the 2010 world champions to the top of Group E ahead of Japan.
Ferran Torres scored twice for Spain, while Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio, Gavi, Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata also registered for the Reds.
Spain will now switch their attention to Sunday’s clash with Germany, who suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Japan in their opening match of the competition.
Enrique has praised his players for their performance against Costa Rica, but the national team manager has called for calm despite the shock nature of the scoreline.
Spain’s Dani Olmo celebrates scoring against Costa Rica at the World Cup on November 23, 2022© Reuters
“When things come off, football becomes a wonderful sport, we were in control of the game at all times, which was the objective, against a tough opponent that we knew was going to cause problems,” Enrique told Mundo Deportivo.
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“But we were exceptional in handling the ball, in finishing. True to the same idea that has accompanied the national team for years.
“We are the first to start training tomorrow to prepare for the game in Germany. Praise weakens you, we know that, and we are not going to fall for it.
“The idea is to always play like this, but we are not going to always win by a landslide. Anyone who understands football can see that we are a difficult rival.
Spain’s Ferran Torres in action with Costa Rica’s Jewison Bennette at the World Cup on November 23, 2022© Reuters
“We have put special emphasis on preparing for the competition well and it has turned out well for us. It is usually difficult for us to start competitions, but we have done very well. It has been a very important victory.”
Asensio started as the centre-forward for Spain, while Olmo was also handed a surprise spot in the XI, and both players were on the scoresheet.
Morata, meanwhile, came off the bench to register late on, with the 30-year-old making it 28 goals for the national side.
Enrique has said that his side do not have “a clear scoring reference”, but the 52-year-old is certain that there are enough goals in the squad to enjoy a successful tournament.
“I had always read that there was a lack of goals. We still don’t have a clear scoring reference, but we have many players who score goals,” he added.