Son Heung-min was passed fit for South Korea to start their World Cup opener against Uruguay at Education City Stadium on Thursday.
The Tottenham forward fractured an eye socket in the Champions League game against Marseille on November 1 and donned a facemask to take on the South Americans.
His availability was a big boost for coach Paulo Bento as the Koreans looked to get their Group H campaign off to a winning start.
Son entered the game one goal short of becoming South Korea's joint-top World Cup goalscorer and only the second player from the country to score in three separate World Cups after Park Ji-sung, who netted once in each of the 2002, 2006 and 2010 tournaments.
Uruguay started the game with a front two of Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez, with Edinson Cavani still struggling to shake off an ankle injury.
Breel Embolo scored the winner against his birth nation as Switzerland beat Cameroon 1-0 at Al Janoub Stadium in their World Cup Group G opener on Thursday.
The Yaounde-born attacker refused to celebrate his second-half tap-in but his goal sparked jubilant scenes for the Swiss at full-time as Murat Yakin's side inflicted Cameroon's eighth successive World Cup defeat, one shy of the record.
The Indomitable Lions had the better of the first half and kept Yann Sommer relatively busy in the Switzerland net, though there were a couple of warning signs for Cameroon just before the break.
Embolo had been involved in one of those incidents and was fittingly the man to break the deadlock in the 48th minute, with Switzerland ultimately good value for the win after an effective second-half display.
Cameroon began with the greater purpose and should have scored 10 minutes in as Bryan Mbeumo blasted at Sommer and Karl Toko Ekambi inexplicably blasted over on the rebound.
Undeterred, Cameroon continued to look more threatening, with Martin Hongla testing Sommer from a tight angle 20 minutes later, and a crucial Silvan Widmer clearance denied Toko Ekambi a tap-in.
Switzerland finished the half stronger, however, and only a last-ditch Jean-Charles Castelletto tackle prevented Embolo a certain goal before Manuel Akanji nodded just wide in stoppage time.
But there was no denying Embolo just after the break as the Monaco forward swept home from Xherdan Shaqiri's low right-wing cross.
Andre Onana kept Cameroon in the contest just past the hour with a fine stop to thwart Ruben Vargas, but Rigobert Song's men were unable to capitalise at the other end.
What does it mean? Vital win for Switzerland as things only get tougher from here
With Brazil and Serbia to come, it was essential Switzerland came through this with a positive result – and that they did.
It certainly was not a vintage performance from a side Yakin called "one of the best Swiss national teams that have ever existed", but in the second half they often played with real fluency.
Switzerland are one of only three European teams to reach the knockout stages in each of the past four major international tournaments, and this was a big step to continuing that streak in Qatar.
Shaqiri dependable as ever
He may not carry quite the same influence over Switzerland's general play as he once did, but Shaqiri just always seems to deliver for his national team. His cross, cleverly pulled back slightly, gave Embolo an easy finish for the winner, giving the experienced winger his 12th goal involvement for the Swiss over the last four major tournaments, exactly 50 per cent of their total.
Vargas frustrates
He was full of running and endeavour, but this was largely a frustrating display from the left winger. Although his two chances created was a high for Switzerland, he wasted two glorious opportunities: one saw him slice a cross over the goal with Granit Xhaka awaiting a tap-in, and the second involved him failing to beat Onana from close range.
What's next?
Switzerland face the ultimate test when they tussle with Brazil on Monday. Cameroon will play Serbia the same day.
Sadio Mane remains a key influence on Senegal's World Cup campaign despite his absence, with Kalidou Koulibaly revealing the forward is in constant contact with the national team.
The Bayern Munich attacker was ruled out of Qatar 2022 after undergoing surgery for a leg injury sustained on November 8 in a Bundesliga game with Werder Bremen.
It has been a cruel blow for player and country, with Mane's penalty having been the victorious touch to take Senegal to Qatar 2022 in their qualifying play-off earlier this year against Egypt.
But despite his absence, Koulibaly says the forward is still a regular, virtual presence around the squad, helping to raise their game and keep them focused.
"He's always texting with us, always calling," he stated. "[He is] keeping the mentality high for the team. He's an important player for us.
"We know the importance that he has for the team and we hope he will continue [to stay in touch]. When he speaks, all of Senegal listens."
Senegal came up short in their first match of the World Cup on Monday against the Netherlands, conceding a pair of late goals to suffer a 2-0 defeat
Ahead of Friday's encounter with hosts Qatar in Group A, the Lions of Teranga are looking to get their campaign back on track, with Koulibaly stating they are stung by loss.
"It is very difficult after a defeat to get your head around things," he added. "It is a difficult pill to swallow. We've started off with a loss."
Both concessions marked a tough game for goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, with Senegal's first-choice goalkeeper having endured a hit-and-miss campaign with Chelsea.
Blues team-mate Koulibaly remains unconcerned over any fears of a dip in form however, adding: "We're brothers in arms. He's an important player for us.
"It's normal to go through difficult periods, but I think we're making a mountain out of a molehill. Edouard knows what he needs to do tomorrow, as do we. I don't think we should be making a big deal about this.
"Everyone needs to be confident in our role; everyone needs to get stuck in. It is together that we are going to be able to overcome this hurdle. I am not worried."
Harry Kane will be fit to feature in England's next World Cup match against the United States on Friday, says manager Gareth Southgate.
The Three Lions captain picked up an ankle injury during the second half of their opening 6-2 win against Iran in Group B and was replaced by Callum Wilson.
Kane underwent a scan on Wednesday to ascertain the severity of the injury, but concerns appeared to be abated after goalkeeper Jordan Pickford confirmed he had trained alongside the rest of the squad.
Now Southgate has said his skipper will be in line to play against the Stars and Stripes in Al Khor for their second match of Qatar 2022.
"Harry is fine. He has worked slightly separately from the group but all good for Friday night," he told BBC Sport. "He had a scan [on Wednesday] to make sure everything is fine."
Southgate also confirmed Harry Maguire is set to figure after he was withdrawn midway through the second half on Monday, adding: "He was feeling ill and that was affecting his vision.
"You worry about concussion in that instant, but we were going back through all the footage and there is nothing, so he is in a good area."
England will qualify for the knockout rounds with a win over the United States, regardless of the result between Iran and Wales elsewhere in Group B.
Southgate wants to see his side into the last-16 sooner rather than later, adding: "We would like to get qualification done as soon as possible.
"The first objective is to get out of the group. We would love to do that on Friday, but the game won't be anything like Monday.
"We have to make sure we are back to the psychological place we were at the start because the States will be an athletic team, press really well, be organised [and] well coached.
"They have quite a few players we know from the Premier League. Monday was a great start, and it is that reset to be ready for Friday."
Wales midfielder Harry Wilson is expecting to face a determined Iran side desperate to respond to their opening-game thrashing when the Group B rivals meet on Friday.
Iran began their World Cup campaign with a 6-2 loss at the hands of England, though only once in six participations – at Germany 2006 – have they lost their first two matches.
A late Gareth Bale penalty earned Wales a 1-1 draw against the United States in their opening match and a first win at the World Cup since 1958 will now be the target against Iran.
But midfielder Wilson, who played a full part against the USA, is expecting Iran to put up far more of a fight at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium than they did against England.
"It was a difficult result for them. England was always going to be difficult," Wilson said. "They will be looking for a reaction and I think that is what we are going to see.
"It will be up to us to make sure we are on form to try and get the three points."
Bale won the penalty in which he converted against the USA and now has 41 goals in 109 caps for his country – only team-mate Chris Gunter has played as many times.
"He drags us through tough games and got his goal," Wilson said. "His performances over the years, I think he deserves to play at the World Cup before he retires."
Following their heavy loss to England, Iran have now lost seven and drawn two of their nine meetings with European teams in the tournament, conceding 20 goals.
Anything other than victory against Wales will leave Carlos Queiroz's facing an early exit from Qatar 2022, but the former Manchester United assistant has faith in his players.
"My view [of the England game] is simple and very pragmatic: the game finished in the first half when we conceded the goals we are not used to conceding," he said.
"Being 3-0 down, the only goal for our team was to enjoy the game and to be brave, united and fight to try to play our football in moments England allowed us to do so.
"What I can say as a conclusion is we win or learn. We had the privilege to learn a lot of things against England and we are much better prepared now to play against Wales."
Friday's contest will be just the second ever between the sides, with Wales – ranked one place higher than Iran in the FIFA rankings – winning 1-0 in a friendly 44 years ago.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Wales - Kieffer Moore
Bale may have been the hero against the USA, but it was the introduction of Moore at half-time that changed the contest, providing Wales with a focal point in the final third.
Moore was a menace during his time on the pitch, as he was throughout the qualifying campaign, and will surely now start this crucial showdown with Iran.
Despite only playing 45 minutes, Moore was involved in more shots (four, taking three himself) against the USA than any Wales team-mate and also had at least two more touches in the opposition box.
Iran - Mehdi Taremi
Taremi's performance was a rare shining light for Iran in their defeat to England, with the Porto striker scoring a couple of goals.
That made Taremi the first Iran player to score multiple goals at a World Cup, and also the first player from an Asian country to net twice in a single game in the competition.
The 30-year-old is a certainty to lead the line against Wales, but Queiroz will hope for more from his supporting cast, such as Vahid Amiri and Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
PREDICTION
Four of Wales' six games at the World Cup have been drawn (67 per cent), with no side having a higher ratio of their games finishing level in the competition's history.
Stats Perform's supercomputer prediction model has this match down as a 27.6 per cent likelihood of that happening, marginally ahead of the 23.2 chance Iran have of winning.
A Wales win – something they have not achieved in their past six matches – is predicted as the most likely outcome at 49.4 per cent.
Belgium "need to improve" if they are to stand a realistic chance of going deep at the 2022 World Cup, according to defender Toby Alderweireld.
It was Alderweireld's long pass that created the only goal of the game for Michy Batshuayi as Belgium struggled to make much headway against an athletic and well-drilled Canada team.
Alphonso Davies saw an early penalty saved by Red Devils goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Canada also squandered a host of first-half chances as Belgium held on to a precious win to take an early lead at the top of Group F.
Alderweireld said: "We didn't play our best game, but we fought hard, especially in the second half and it's better to improve things with three points in the bag than no points.
"We weren't good enough on the ball, we didn't create the right spaces and in the second half we could have hurt them a lot more. Our last pass has to be a lot better.
"The first step is to get through but we need to improve."
Alderweireld's sentiments were shared by fellow defender Timothy Castagne, who felt Canada's no-fear approach made them tricky opponents.
The Leicester City full-back said: "We were expecting that, it's not easy to play against.
"We tried to play through them but we could not find the free men. When we did, we had some good opportunities but couldn't finish them.
"We can thank Thibaut for keeping us in the game first half. After that we defended pretty strong together, which hasn't always been our strongest suit so that's good."
With Argentina and Germany having already lost in Qatar to unheralded opponents, Castagne was just pleased Belgium avoided joining the ranks of beaten favourites, adding: "If you get the win, you get confidence even if it wasn't our best game.
"Some big teams have lost so it's good to get off to a good start points-wise."
While Belgium were relieved, it was a night of pride and frustration for Canada. They emerged with enormous credit, inspired by the shrewd leadership of head coach John Herdman, but will rue their profligacy in front of goal.
Defender Steven Vitoria said: "We deserved more against a world-class side. When we play like that we'll be a lot closer to winning than anything else. It was a fantastic performance but at this level you have to get the win.
"The intention is to be fearless on the biggest stage, this is a new Canada and we gave that statement to the world. But no excuses, we're here to win and we're not satisfied."
Cameron Carter-Vickers hailed the "top-notch" dedication and consistency of former teammate Harry Kane ahead of the United States' showdown with England.
Like Kane, Carter-Vickers came through Tottenham's academy but, having spent most of his 13-year spell out on loan, he departed for Celtic on a permanent deal in July.
But the defender will be reunited with the England skipper on Friday, when the Stars and Stripes and Three Lions face off in Group B at the Al Bayt Stadium.
And Carter-Vickers heaped praise on Kane, who is three goals away from breaking Wayne Rooney's all-time national goalscoring record.
He said: "Training with him, you can see every day how hard he works, his dedication not just on the field, off the field as well. It's top-notch, and you can see how consistent he has been over the last so many years now.
"That only comes if you are doing the right thing day in and day out. You could say that probably coming from the academy at Tottenham, you look up to players like him and other players in the first team playing well and consistently performing."
An unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Wales, Southend-born Carter-Vickers will hope to make his World Cup bow against Gareth Southgate's side, who opened with a commanding 6-2 win over Iran.
The 24-year-old qualifies for the USA through his father - former basketball player Howard Carter - and has added motivation to achieve a positive result against the nation of his birth.
"Obviously, when I saw the group was drawn, and I saw we were in the same group as England, I was excited," he added.
"They are one of the top teams in the world. To be able to play against them and match up against them to see where you are is a good thing.
"They’ve got a squad full of top players. So I think we all know that we have to put in one of our best performances to beat them.
"It's a game that I really want to win, just like any other game in the World Cup. I'm not too sure how I'm going to feel when the game comes around. But I do know that I'll be doing everything I can to try and help the team win."
Carter-Vickers' teammate Yunus Musah also grew up in England, the former Arsenal trainee representing the Three Lions at various youth levels before committing to the USA in March 2021.
The Valencia midfielder, who became the Stars and Stripes' first teenage World Cup starter against Wales, is eagerly anticipating the clash.
"I have a lot of respect for them for everything they've done for me," he said. "I don't think I quite know how I'm going to feel that day.
"But it's a special game, for sure, because I played on both sides. And to be able to be on the pitch with the same national team I used to play with is just special."
Michy Batshuayi scored the only goal as Belgium scraped past a spirited Canada 1-0 in their 2022 World Cup opener at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium.
Leading the line in Romelu Lukaku’s absence, Batshuayi's 44th-minute strike was enough to settle a nervy Group F clash in the Red Devils' favour.
Roberto Martinez's side were grateful to Thibaut Courtois, who saved an early Alphonso Davies penalty, as they generally struggled against the nation ending their 36-year absence from the finals.
Nevertheless, Belgium stretched their group-stage winning streak to eight matches, with no side enjoying a longer run in the competition's history (level with Brazil).
Belgium endured a shaky start against the Canucks, who were awarded a penalty when VAR ruled Yannick Carrasco had handled Tajon Buchanan's shot in the box, but Courtois guessed correctly to keep out Davies' tame spot-kick by diving to his right.
The first coach to guide a nation to both the women's and men's World Cups, John Herdman saw his side continue to carry the greater attacking threat. Alistair Johnston stung Courtois' palms with a fierce strike, while Buchanan and Atiba Hutchinson were off target.
But Belgium snatched the lead against the run of play just before half-time; Batshuayi latching onto Toby Alderweireld's long ball before firing past Milan Borjan.
Though they edged possession, Belgium continued to look off their game as they registered just one shot on target after the break.
Canada looked to capitalise with the introduction of top scorer Cyle Larin, whose header called Courtois into action with 10 minutes remaining, but they were unable to find an equaliser as their opponents held on for a narrow victory.
What does it mean? Belgium struggle against spirited Canada
Although far from their fluent best, Belgium moved to the Group F summit following Croatia's goalless draw with Morocco earlier on.
Despite the defeat, it was a historic day for Canada, who returned to the finals after 36 years away and were unfortunate not to break their duck after Davies' saved penalty.
Meanwhile, captain Hutchinson became the oldest outfield starter in World Cup history – aged 39 years and 288 days.
Batshuayi steps up
With Lukaku's return date uncertain, Batshuayi stepped up to the plate with his 27th international goal in 49 caps – moving him joint-sixth with Joseph Mermans on his country's all-time list.
The Fenerbahce forward's well-taken strike came from one of five shots on goal – a tally only bettered on the night by Canada's Jonathan David (six)
History for Courtois
No player has appeared more times for Belgium at a major tournament than Courtois (23, level with Jan Ceulemans).
The Real Madrid goalkeeper also edged closer to becoming the Red Devils' seventh centurion by earning his 98th cap, and he celebrated the milestone with a clean sheet, as well as superb reflexes to deny Davies from the spot.
What's next?
Both sides are back in Group F action on Sunday. Belgium will look to produce an improved performance against Morocco, while Canada cannot afford another defeat against 2018 finalists Croatia.
Denmark midfielder Thomas Delaney has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup after he was forced off with an injury in their Group D opener with Tunisia.
The Sevilla player started for Kasper Hjulmand's side in Tuesday's goalless draw in Al Rayyan, but exited the game during first-half injury time to be replaced by Mikkel Damsgaard.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that the 31-year-old has suffered a knee injury which not only curtails his immediate involvement but spells the end of his tournament, in a blow to Denmark's hopes.
“We will miss him, both on and off the pitch," Hjulmand said after the news was revealed in a brief statement.
"Other players are ready, and we have a strong squad for the next matches."
A 72-cap veteran, Delaney was an essential figure in the nation's run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 in the wake of Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest last year.
With the Manchester United playmaker recovered and back in the fold, Denmark had been tipped as a potential dark horse contender ahead of the tournament.
A struggle to find a result against a stubborn Tunisia, however, has set up an intriguing path to the knockout rounds through the rest of Group D.
Denmark will face defending champions France on November 26, before meeting Australia four days later on November 30.
Luis Enrique believes Gavi will become one of the "stars of football" after the teenager scored his first World Cup goal as Spain thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 on Wednesday.
Gavi netted the fifth goal in a one-sided clash, getting on the end of an Alvaro Morata pass to fire in off the right post with 16 minutes remaining.
Aged 18 years and 110 days, it made him the youngest player to score at a World Cup for any nation since Pele (17y 249d) for Brazil in the 1958 final against Sweden.
At a press conference after the Group E victory, La Roja head coach Luis Enrique was asked just how good the Barcelona midfielder can be.
"I don't know, I hope he's going and playing every time better and trying to be aggressive with and without ball," he said.
"He's unique, very different because he's 18 now, but he has the personality of an experienced player.
"It is a pleasure to play with the boy, because he is a boy. He needs a bit of calm sometimes but we are very happy to have him in the team.
"I think he's going to be one of the stars of football."
Sunday will see Spain's second game in Qatar against Germany, who were surprisingly beaten 2-1 by Japan earlier on Wednesday.
Luis Enrique is not concerned about Spain potentially being complacent when they face Germany after opening their World Cup campaign with a 7-0 hammering of Costa Rica.
Spain were dominant from start to finish as they recorded their biggest World Cup win ever at Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday.
Costa Rica failed to register a single shot, with this just the second instance of a team managing zero shots in a World Cup game since 1966.
La Roja's demolition job came a matter of hours after Group E rivals Germany suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Japan.
Spain face Hansi Flick's side at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday in a game that will go a long way to determining who progresses to the knockout stages.
After battering Costa Rica, it was put to Luis Enrique that his team might suffer from over-confidence, but the coach insists that is not a concern.
"We have to understand the head is important for everything," he said when asked specifically about managing the team's mentality.
"We've been working with a psychologist a long time, we were seen as aliens for doing that at first.
"I know these players, they are competitive, they won't be relaxed for the next game. We'll play exactly the same against Germany. If they beat us then we have to say they are better than us, that's it.
"I have no doubt whatsoever, we will be as competitive, or even more because Germany is an amazing team and this would really encourage us.
"Yes, euphoria can be negative and speculation too, but that's not in our DNA [to be impacted by that], we are living this with so much intensity.
"There may be changes but I trust all players. If there are changes it won't be because we think we are already qualified."
The mood of Costa Rica coach Luis Fernando Suarez could not have been more different.
Unsurprisingly, this was Los Ticos' biggest World Cup defeat, and Suarez did not sugarcoat how he felt about what was – in football terms – a disastrous day.
"I'm feeling very sad. It's not just about that, also I had very different expectations for this game and my feelings were completely different ahead of the game, now I'm not feeling okay," he said.
"I need to work with this result and be very sure with the players about how to lift the mood.
"I'm really worried my team won't cope with this terrible result. We have to leave this behind us and start working as of [Thursday] morning to show the players – they already know this – that we have to remember about Japan and try to win that match."
Bukayo Saka is one of the best young players in the world and will be a huge threat to the United States' hopes when they meet England, according to goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The USA began their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Wales on Monday, and they will face a stern test of their Group B credentials against Gareth Southgate's team next time out.
Saka took centre stage as the Three Lions crushed Iran 6-2, becoming the youngest player to score a World Cup brace for England (aged 21 years and 77 days).
Turner has seen Saka's talents at close quarters since joining Arsenal from the New England Revolution in June, and he knows the USA must keep a close eye on the tricky winger if they are to stand a chance on Friday.
"I think it's pretty clear - he's one of the young stars of world football," Turner said of Saka on Wednesday.
"He's a top, top player and I think you don't need me to tell anybody on our team how much of a threat that he poses in the game.
"He's scoring goals in a variety of ways. He's really developed and mature.
"He's gotten stronger from what I understand. I've only worked with him for a few months.
"I'm looking forward to playing against familiar faces. He's a really, really good player who can change any game that he takes part in."
Saka's double came after a fine opening goal from Jude Bellingham on Monday, which represented the first time England have had two players aged 21 or younger score in the same World Cup match.
No England player has scored in consecutive appearances in the competition when aged 21 or younger, with Michael Owen the youngest to do so at 22 years old in 2002.
Brazil begin their Qatar 2022 campaign against Serbia as tournament favourites and with high hopes, but head coach Tite accepts lessons must be learned from recent failures.
The Selecao have won a record five World Cups, though not since 2002 – when beating Germany 2-0 in the final – have they lifted the most famous trophy of them all.
Since then, Brazil have reached the semi-final only once and have suffered three quarter-final exits, including four years ago at the hands of Belgium.
But as Tite becomes the first manager to lead Brazil into successive World Cups since Tele Santana in the 1980s, the experienced coach is hopeful of a better outcome this time.
"I know more how to focus my attention now," he told The Guardian, reflecting specifically on his side's 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their opening game of Russia 2018.
"I was also naive and inexperienced. I told my players not to complain about refereeing against Switzerland because of VAR, but there was a foul on our player.
"If and when it happens again, you need to respectfully complain and speak to the referee. We did this against Ecuador that year. We have learned."
Brazil are the only team to have taken part in every single World Cup since its original edition in 1930, with this being their 22nd appearance in the global showpiece.
The South American giants are unbeaten in their past 15 group matches, winning 12, and have topped their pool in each edition since 1982.
Serbia are first up for Brazil at Lusail Stadium on Thursday in Group G, which also includes Switzerland and Cameroon.
As an independent nation, Serbia have been eliminated in the group stage in all three World Cup appearances, but they qualified this year unbeaten in their eight qualifiers.
Question marks remain over the fitness of a number of key players, such as Sasa Lukic, Filip Kostic and Aleksandar Mitrovic, with the latter having not played in nearly a month.
"I sincerely hope they will be ready," head coach Dragan Stojkovic told reporters. "But what will happen until the game, I don't know. Everything is done so that they are ready.
"Motivationally and psychologically, there are no problems. We haven't wanted to risk their fitness so far. We will do everything to ensure everyone is in gear and ready."
Brazil have won each of their two previous encounters with Serbia, including their group-stage fixture at the last World Cup when prevailing 2-0.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Brazil - Neymar
Entering what is his third and – in his own words – possibly final World Cup, Neymar needs just three goals to surpass Pele as Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer.
While the Selecao have fallen short in his two participations, the in-form Paris Saint-Germain forward can be pleased with his own output, having scored six goals and assisted two.
In fact, since his World Cup debut on home soil in 2014, Neymar has been directly involved in 42 per cent of his side's 19 goals in the competition.
Serbia - Aleksandar Mitrovic
If Serbia are to pull off a big upset then they will need to have their star players available, not least prolific striker Mitrovic.
The Fulham man scored eight goals in eight matches on the road to Qatar – a goal tally only Memphis Depay and Harry Kane (both 12) could better in European qualifiers.
Mitrovic has also been in superb form at club level this campaign, scoring nine goals in 12 Premier League outings to sit fourth in the Golden Boot race.
PREDICTION
Serbia have lost seven of their nine World Cup games and have been handed an extremely difficult opener, but they showed in qualifying they are a tough side to beat.
Stats Perform's AI supercomputer prediction model gives Stojkovic's side a 14.3 per cent chance of defeating Brazil.
Victory for the Selecao has a 65.6 per cent chance likelihood of happening, meanwhile, and a draw is predicted at 20.1 per cent.
Gavi marked becoming Spain's youngest player at a major tournament with a goal in an emphatic 7-0 win over Costa Rica as La Roja began their Qatar 2022 campaign in record style.
Group E rivals Germany suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Japan earlier on Wednesday, but Spain did not look under any threat after Dani Olmo gave them an 11th-minute lead.
That was La Roja's 100th World Cup goal and another two followed inside the opening 31 minutes through Marco Asensio's strike and a Ferran Torres penalty.
Torres doubled his tally early in the second half and Gavi then steered in a delightful volley, before substitutes Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata added two more late on in Spain's record win at the tournament.
Spain were well on top when Olmo controlled a deflected Gavi pass and lifted the ball over Keylor Navas for La Roja's earliest World Cup goal since 2002.
Costa Rica struggled to get a foot on the ball and were two goals down with less than a quarter of the game played as Asensio swept home Jordi Alba's left-sided cross.
Alba was also involved in the third goal, the full-back being felled by a clumsy Oscar Duarte challenge in the box for Torres to put Spain out of reach with his casual spot-kick.
Torres slotted under Navas after some poor defending from Costa Rica and Gavi then got himself on the scoresheet with an outside-of-the-boot volley off the post.
Soler guided goal number six out of Navas' reach and fellow substitute Morata exchanged passes with Olmo before firing in to round off a superb Spain display.
What does it mean? Scintillating showing from Spain
Following shock defeats for Argentina and group rivals Germany in the opening round of games, Spain used this opener to put on a display and send out a message.
They scored seven goals in a World Cup match for the first time, with this the 2010 winners' biggest ever win in the competition.
Costa Rica were poor and become only the second side since records began in 1966 to fail to register a shot – the other instance being... Costa Rica against Brazil in 1990.
Torres torments Costa Rica
Torres scored at least twice as many goals in qualifying (four) than any other Spain player and he brought that form into the tournament with his double.
The Barcelona forward is the third player to score twice on his World Cup debut for Spain after David Villa (v Ukraine in 2006) and Jose Iraragorri (v Brazil in 1934).
Gavi behind only Pele
Both sides named their youngest ever players in a World Cup match – Gavi (18 years, 110 days) for Spain and Jewison Bennette (18y, 161d) for Costa Rica.
While winger Bennette managed just two passes in his hour on the pitch, Gavi became the youngest scorer in a World Cup match since Pele (17y 249d) in the 1958 final.
What's next?
Spain face fellow heavyweights Germany, who enter that game needing a result, while Costa Rica take on Japan in Sunday's other Group E match.
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