Spain will hope to replicate 2010 World Cup success in Qatar, as they take on Costa Rica in Group E opener at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Spain couldn't progress pass the round of 16 as host nation Russia eliminated them on penalties in the 2018 World Cup, after their awful group stage exit in Brazil 2014.
Spanish manager, Luis Enrique has been criticised for trusting mostly young lads and ignoring experienced players like Sergio Ramos, David de Gea among others, with 20 of the 26 players making their debut appearance at the mundial.
Spain amassed 19 points in eight games to secure their World Cup spot in Group B, winning six, a-draw and a-defeat, before advancing to the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League after beating Portugal by a-lone goal in September.
Spain rounded of their preparations ahead of the World Cup by defeating Jordan by 3:1 last Thursday.
Costa Rica were eliminated in the round of 16 in their first World Cup finals appearance in Italy 1990.
Costa Rica made it to Qatar after beating New Zealand by a 1:0 in the inter continental playoffs in June to book their place at the global showpiece.
Costa Rica had their best World Cup campaign in 2014, reaching the quarter finals before Netherlands eliminated them on penalties after topping Group D containing former World Champions England, Uruguay and Italy.
Los Ticos have succumbed to just a defeat, against Panama, in their last ten games in all competitions.
Oscar Duarte and Waston Manley strikes were enough to secure a victory for Costa Rica ahead of Nigeria in an international friendly on 10th November.
Luis Fernando Suarez will be hoping to make history with Costa Rica, in his third World Cup appearance as an head coach, after guiding Honduras and Ecuador to the tournament in the past.
Team News
No major injury concern for both sides after Alejandro Balde replaced Jose Gaya for Spain.
Head-to-head (last five games)
Spain: 4 wins, 1 defeat.
Costa Rica: 4 wins, 1 draw
Head-to-head(between the two sides in three games)
Spain: 2 wins, 1 draw
Costa Rica: I draw, 2 defeats
Probable Lineups
Spain: Simon, Carvajal, Laporte, P Torres, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, Gavi; F Torres, Morata, Fati.
Costa Rica: Navas, C Martinez, Calvo, Duarte, Oviedo; Tejeda, Bennette, G Torres; Borges, Contreras, Campbell
TV Channels to Watch
DSTV, GOTV, BBC, ITV, beIN Sports, Fox.
Match Officials
Referee: Mohammed Abdulla.
Assistant Referees: Mohamed Al Hammadi and Hasan Al Mahri
Fourth Referee: Ning Ma
Kickoff Time:
16:00 GMT
By: Abdul Razak Salim
