Sochi: Diego Costa looked like a misfit at the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, where Spain’s inability to accommodate the burly centre-forward contributed to their disastrous campaign.
But Friday in Sochi, his physical presence and penalty-box prowess worked a treat for the Spanish as they ended a chaotic week with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Portugal, Costa scoring twice.
“Spain adapt to Diego Costa” was the headline in Spanish daily El Pais Saturday, with new coach Fernando Hierro rewarded for his decision to select the Atletico Madrid man up front. The Brazilian-born Costa twice replied to Cristiano Ronaldo goals to haul Spain back on level terms on a muggy evening by the Black Sea.
His first was classic Costa, as he left Pepe on the floor with more than a hint of a foul before bursting into the area and taking his time to pick his spot low in the bottom corner. Costa’s second goal was a penalty-box effort at a set-piece, before he was taken off for the closing stages, replaced by Iago Aspas.
Hierro’s decision to go with Costa in the starting line-up showed he was not departing from plans put in place by Julen Lopetegui prior to his shock sacking. Lopetegui was sensationally dismissed just 48 hours before La Roja’s World Cup bow after the announcement of his appointment by Real Madrid for next season. Hierro could have opted to start Aspas, the Celta Vigo forward who netted the winner in Spain’s final warm-up match against Tunisia. But he went with Costa, who provides the bruising element in the Spain side in front of the silky trio of Isco, David Silva and Andres Iniesta.
“We felt this was a game in which Diego could really help us. He did a great job wearing out the opposition centre-backs,” said Hierro.
