Spain vs Costa Rica: 5 talking points

#2 Costa Rica have fallen, and have fallen hard

Costa Rica haven't kicked on in the last few years

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil was one of the most eventful in the recent memory. A greater event of significance among them was minnows Costa Rica reaching the last 8 of the tournament. Having drawn alongside the likes of Uruguay, Italy and England, the odds of the Central Americans even progressing beyond the first stage was negligible. Yet, they pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the World Cup history by qualifying over the European teams and at the top of the table.

The fairytale run ended after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Netherlands in the quarter-finals, but by then, La Sele had already punched above their weight.

More than three years have passed since, and Costa Rica have receded into mediocrity once again. The 5-0 hammering last night couldn't have timed it better, for they parted like the red sea and looked terribly submissive.

The first four goals resulted on account of some shambolic defending, while the exploits at the other end was hardly any more productive. The near-miss towards the end of the game in a relatively well-worked move was the only genuine moment of threat from the visitors, who otherwise spent most of the evening on the back foot.

Although this was a Costa Rica side without some of their star names, the match just reflects how much they've been left behind in the years since.