David Silva's brace helps Spain dominate Costa Rica in friendly

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:38 am

David Silva scored twice as Spain coasted to a 5-0 win over against Costa Rica in Saturday's friendly at La Rosaleda in Malaga.

Jordi Alba gave Spain an early lead before Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata netted a second from close range.

Silva struck twice at the start of the second half as Costa Rica were overrun before skipper Andres Iniesta capped an impressive team performance with a late fifth as Spain extended their unbeaten record to 15 matches.

Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was handed his senior international debut, while Real Sociedad full-back Alvaro Odriozola came into the defence and Chelsea forward Morata headed the attack.

Spain, who qualified for next summer's World Cup ahead of Italy, took the lead after just five minutes.

Silva got into the right side of the area and cut the ball across the box for Jordi Alba, who lashed a first-time shot back into the far corner.

La Roja remained on the offensive, and it was no surprise to see them double their lead after 23 minutes.

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Again Silva was involved, this time the City midfielder played into the left side of the Costa Rica box.

His low pass across goal was cut out by goalkeeper Danny Carvajal, but the ball fell straight back to Morata who converted from close range.

Costa Rica, who will also be in Russia, went close to an equaliser when Celtic defender Cristian Gamboa saw his pass fly across the face of goal, with Johan Venegas just not able to get on the end of it.

Spain, though, were soon pushing for a third as Carvajal made a fine stop from Isco's curling free-kick and the Costa Rica keeper also denied Morata at point-blank range just before half-time.

Morata was replaced by Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas as one of several changes by Spain manager Julen Lopetegui for the second half.

It was, however, more of the same when Silva made it 3-0 after 51 minutes, slotting the ball in from a tight angle after Francisco Calvo's clearance deflected off team-mate Oscar Duarte out to the City winger.

Silva soon added a second when he slid in to take the ball off Sunderland defender Bryan Oviedo wide on the right before cutting back inside to burst into the area and send a low drive under Carvajal into the far corner.

Spain, who play the World Cup hosts in St Petersburg on Tuesday, made it five when captain Iniesta strolled forwards from the half-way line before rifling home with 15 minutes left.