Former World Champions, Spain opened their World Cup campaign with masterclass display culminating in a 7-0 win over Costa Rica on Wednesday to lay down their credentials for the tournament.
Dani Olmo opened the scoring for La Roja before Marco Asensio added the second to set the tone for a comprehensive victory.
Ferran Torres made it three on the half hour mark from the penalty spot as Spain wrapped the game up in the first half.
Ferran was again on target after the break before Gavi became the youngest goalscorer at a World Cup since Pele in 1958. Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata got in on the act late on.
There was a strong Barca undercurrent to the win. Even Olmo, now at RB Leipzig, came through La Masia, and it was his goal that got the party started.
Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Gavi were all involved in the build up and Olmo’s touch, pirouette and finish were all on point.
Asensio turned home the second, Alba the creator, and Ferran added the third from the penalty spot after Alba was brought down.
Ferran doubled his tally in the 54th minute and, with a four goal lead, Luis Enrique started handing out rests, including to Pedri, who was brilliant in midfield.
There was also an international debut for Barca left-back Alejandro Balde, who replaced Alba, and he was involved in the fifth goal.
Balde charged forward and fed Alvaro Morata, who couldn’t quite create a shooting chance, but he pulled back for Gavi who finished wonderfully.
Aged 18 years and 110 days, Gavi became the youngest goalscorer in a World Cup match since Pele in the 1958 final against Sweden (17y 249d).
Substitute Soler then turned home inside the box after Keylor Navas turned Nico Williams’ cross back into danger and Morata finished a fine team move in stoppage time.
