MATCH REPORT | Spain stakes its claim as one of the favourites for the World Cup with an exhibition performance against Costa Rica (3-0)

More than just a football match, what the Spanish national team did on Friday in Wellington was a declaration of intent: a record number of shots on goal in a Women's World Cup match, hundreds of passes completed, a multitude of chances, pace, eye-catching, dangerous direct play as well as the first goal fest of the tournament.

The footballing dominance of coach Jorge Vilda’s team served to put Spain forward as on of the strong contenders for the World Cup, this was the performance of a team with no limits to how far they can go and against which Costa Rica could only try to park the bus.

From Casey Reibelt’s opening whistle, Spain imposed their style and tactics in the New Zealand capital, generating space on the inside and on both flanks.

Just after an Esther Gonzalez back-heel shot came within a whisker of opening the scoring, the Huesca striker succeeded in scoring after 20 minutes from a cross-cum-shot that was inadvertently deflected in by Costa Rica defender Valeria del Campo.

In half a dozen magical minutes, Spain finished off the game as a contest with Aitana Bonmatí unleashing the magic with control, tidy footwork and a neat left foot finish.

Esther made it three soon after, picking up Jenni's half-volley off the post, before the three-time World Cup winner from Madrid was unable to convert a penalty that saved on the line by Daniela Solera.

The reflexes of the Central American goalkeeper, together with her getting a helping hand from the woodwork, prevented a higher scoreline with Spain continuing to take the initiative after the restart.

Vilda brought on Alba Redondo, Mariona, Zornoza and golden ball winner Alexia Putellas in the second half while Solera made a number of further interventions.

Spain's World Cup opener with a win over Costa Rica puts Jorge Vilda's side top of Group C.