(GFWC Match 18) Diego Costa Hat Trick Qualifies Spain for Round of 16

The following articles highlight the process of Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and their demise from the governance of international football and the rise of Global Futbol.

June 20th 2018 (GFWC Match 18)

Diego Costa Hat Trick Qualifies Spain for Round of 16

Spain 3-0 Guatemala

 

Spain has progressed to the Round of 16 with a hat trick from Diego Costa. 

 

Guatemala held their own for long periods throughout the game against Spain and the skill level remained high between both teams. The Central American side created better through balls and chances on goal, but could not finish. Henry López was the first to shoot high and wide of the mark, and De Gea saved Contreras’ shot.

 

Then Spain caught Guatemala on a fast break late in the half. Diego Costa found himself one-on-one with Motta and snuck the ball to the goalkeeper’s left. Guatemala lowered their heads, knowing they should have produced a goal from that first half and at least stand level with Spain.

 

After the break, Diego Costa soon had his second, heading the ball past Motta from a superb corner. He had a chance for a third four minutes later, but the cross was off the mark, and despite his side bicycle kick, the ball flew wide.

 

Guatemala received a corner and tried turning things around with Cincotta’s header, but the ball ended left of the goal. 

 

Sergio Busquets tried to gather Spain’s third goal, but his shot flew way over the goal.

 

Henry López’s effort in the 79th minute was a miss, as it seemed he could not decide whether to cross or shoot. In the end, the ball slid across the face of goal and out of play.

 

Substitute Asencio had a chance in front of goal, but too much power fired the ball over the bar.

 

Finally, Man of the Match Diego Costa’s third finally arose right at the end, with a pass from Vásquez. He tapped around defender Mejia, steadied, and shot with his left to the goalkeeper’s left. 

 

Spain has all but guaranteed a place in the Round of 16, pending a result between Guinea and Czech Republic. They face Guinea on Monday next week, while a hapless Guatemala take on the Czech Republic.

Spain	3-0		Guatemala
8 4 46 19 1 1 50 80	Shots Shots on Target Possession % Tackles Fouls Corners Shot Accuracy % Pass Accuracy %		9 2 54 17 0 1 22 84
43’ #19 Diego Costa (#8 Koke assist)    51’ #19 Diego Costa (#5 Busquets assist)      73’ #6 Iniesta off, #7 Asencio on  73’ #21 David Silva off, #9 Vásquez on  86’ #8 Koke off, #20 Niguez on  90’ #19 Diego Costa (#9 Vásquez assist)		45’ #10 Contreras off, #22 M. López on    55’ #8 Márquez off, #7 Thompson on  59’ #22 M. Lopez off, #23 Aparicio on