Spain and Costa Rica begin their 2022 World Cup adventures against each other on Wednesday at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, with the 2010 winners looking to emulate their success in South Africa 12 years ago.
This Group E showdown is only the fourth time the two sides have faced off, and it will be the first competitive fixture between the two as Costa Rica aim to repeat their World Cup heroics in 2014 when they topped a group consisting of England, Italy and Uruguay.
Spain are massive favourites to start their campaign in Qatar with three points, and a victory over Costa Rica would preserve their unbeaten record against Los Ticos.
Their most recent matchup resulted in a resounding 5-0 victory for La Roja in November 2017, with both Jordi Alba and Alvaro Morata finding the net on that day - two players that are expected to start for Luis Enrique's men on Wednesday.
Costa Rica were also defeated by Spain in June 2015 despite taking the lead through a Johan Venegas strike, with goals from Paco Alcacer and Cesc Fabregas securing the win for the Spaniards.
Los Ticos' best result against Spain came in the first-ever meeting between the two nations, with Vincente del Bosque's star-studded world champions being held to a 2-2 draw at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica in November 2011.
SPAIN VS. COSTA RICA HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Spain wins: 2
Costa Rica wins: 0
Draws: 1
Spain goals: 9
Costa Rica goals: 3
MATCH HISTORY
November 11, 2017: Spain 5-0 Costa Rica (friendly)
June 11, 2015: Spain 2-1 Costa Rica (friendly)
November 15, 2011: Costa Rica 2-2 Spain (friendly)
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