Euro 2016 qualifiers: Diego Costa finally scores as Spain get back to winning ways
Diego Costa bagged his first goal for Spain as the champions got the defence of their European title back on track with a 4-0 win over minnows Luxembourg in Euro 2016 qualifying Group C on Sunday (Oct 12).
Costa, in his seventh match for Spain had missed a hatful on the night before he swivelled to fire home Spain's third goal from close range to the visible relief of the whole team.
The Brazilian-born Costa has been on fire for his club Chelsea with nine Premier League goals this season, but that was his first goal in seven for Spain.
Photo: Reuters
“Diego wanted to pay us back with goals for the support we’ve given him.
"He feels good in the group, but I told him at half-time he was thinking too much about it (getting a first goal) so I just told him to keep calm,” coach Del Bosque said after the game.
David Silva got the opener when he latched on to an uncharacteristic long ball out of defence after 27 minutes.
The 21-year-old Valencia striker Paco Alcacer doubled the tally with his third goal in three games for Spain just before half-time.
Another 21-year-old Juan Bernat, a Bayern Munich left-back, 4-0 three minutes from time.
Juan Benat overjoyed after scoring for Spain. Photo: AFP
Both their goals will also have given Spain reason to smile as a younger generation emerges to refresh their ageing squad.
Eyebrows were raised before the game when Spain handler Vicente Del Bosque dropped the under-performing ‘keeper Iker Casillas - the 33-year-old with whom Spain won Euro 2008 and 2012 plus the 2010 World Cup - in favour of Manchester United stopper David de Gea.
For his part de Gea had little to do, but was assured on the few occasions he was called upon.
Spain, who lost to Slovakia on Thursday, are now second on goal difference in Group C on six points from three games, with Ukraine, also on six points, in third.
Source: AFP
Read more: Shocker! Slovakia beat defending champs Spain in Euro 2016 qualifier
Del Bosque after shock defeat: Spain not on downward spiral
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