The world witnessed what can only be described as a massacre on Wednesday evening when Spain and Costa Rica faced off in their opening Group E game.

The North Americans conceded seven unreplied goals to the 2010 World Cup winners to match their biggest ever defeat by Mexico all the way back in 1975.

After Germany fell to Japan in the afternoon, Spain took the opportunity to make a statement to the group. Luis Enrique's selection was questioned initially but he has shown why the RFEF, Spain's football governing body, have absolute faith in him.

Costa Rica, meanwhile, now have a huge mountain to climb as a draw in their match versus Japan will not cut it. Their manager, Luis Fernando Suarez will have a lot of lessons to share with his team as they look to surmount the odds and make it to the round of 16.

Costa Rica outclassed by Spain technique

The team from the CONCACAF region came into the game guns blazing but Spain were able to slow them down within the first two minutes, taking control of the entirety of the game from there.

There was nothing of note from the Costa Ricans in a game that saw them outclassed, outplayed, outgunned and outmanoeuvred in totality. Spain, on the other hand, took us back to their glory days with their slick passing, calmness in possession, and brilliant breaks.

Having an extra midfielder in the squad greatly helped the one-time world champions, as Manchester City man Rodrigo Hernandez, popularly known as Rodri, helped to make the transition from defence to attack very smooth.

Playing alongside his City teammate Aymeric Laporte, Rodri marshalled the backline expertly, giving Athletic Club Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon little to do during the game. In front of the defence was Barcelona's midfield trio of Sergio Busquets, Pedri and Gavi, whose technique and passing ability opened up Costa Rica more than the North Americans had bargained for.

It was Gavi who got things going with his slick pass to Red Bull Leipzig man Dani Olmo to open the scoring in the 11th minute. By half time, Spain was three-nil up thanks to goals from Real Madrid man Marco Asensio, playing as a makeshift centre forward, and Barcelona man Ferran Torres, who scored from the penalty spot after Jordi Alba was brought down.

The second half started on the note it ended, with Ferran Torres finding the net for his second of the game. He was replaced by Alvaro Morata minutes after his goal and the Atlético de Madrid man went on to provide the assist for the fifth goal, scored by Gavi, who assisted the first goal.

Fellow substitute Carlos Soler would get on the score sheet with a well placed follow up after his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Keylor Navas palmed a ball into space. And Morata would get in on the action to bring the game to a resounding end.

It has been a World Cup of upsets and surprises, but a 7 - 0 win is a statement win that will get every team's senses tingling.

Spain, however, are not done, as a slip up could cost them a spot in the round of 16. They will face a wounded Germany next while Costa Rica will face Japan, who they are evenly matched against on paper.