World Cup: Why Diego Costa could drive Spain to glory

Costa’s brace in Spain’s epic 3-3 draw with Portugal last Friday was a stark reminder of the striker’s effectiveness and unique quality.

Spain’s clash with Portugal has indubitably been the highlight of the 2018 World Cup so far, providing a feast of attacking football and unforgettable moments of individual brilliance.

Whilst Ronaldo’s hat-trick may have stolen the majority of headlines; the performance of Diego Costa up front for Spain was equally as influential, as he provided his team with an outlet they haven’t had since Fernando Torres was in his prime.

The former Chelsea man was considered something of a misfit in the international side after their disastrous group stage exit in Brazil four years ago, but it seems this time around Spain are happy to play to his strengths as a target man.

His first goal came from a long pass from Sergio Busquets – a rare occurrence indeed from the Barcelona midfielder so lauded for his passing stats and keeping possession in close quarters – which underlined the fact Spain were unafraid to be direct and bypass the midfield for a change.

Costa shrugged off the nuisance of Pepe, who went down far too easily despite the protests of opposition players and staff to the contrary and continued on into the penalty area.

He then showed neat footwork before dispatching a powerful low shot past Rui Patricio in the Portugal goal.

It was vintage Diego Costa that brought back vivid memories of his spell at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, where he terrorised defences in similar fashion week in week out.

To their detriment in the past, Spain has seen Costa as an anomaly in their team of prim and proper passing experts that often tried to walk the ball into the net.

But his display last Friday was the perfect example of the extra dimension he can bring to their side which can actually make them stronger rather than weaker.

The burly striker’s equaliser against Portugal highlighted his predatory instincts, which have always been sharp as a tack and the perfect complement to his aggressive hold-up play and strength in the penalty area.

If Spain are to build on the encouraging performance they gave in the opening game and emerge as real contenders for the famous gold trophy, they must continue to use Costa as the focal point and in doing so maximise their effectiveness going forward.

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