Laporta: ‘Barcelona Won the World Cup’ Thanks to Eight Spain Stars -...

Match Overview

Barcelona president Joan Laporta turned heads by claiming the club’s heavy representation in the Spanish national team meant Barcelona “won” the opening stages of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Luis Enrique’s Spain squad featured eight Blaugrana players, forming the tactical spine of a side that dismantled Costa Rica 7-0 in one of the most dominant displays in tournament history. Laporta emphasized that the national team’s possession-based identity was directly inherited from Xavi Hernandez’s system at Camp Nou.

Key Stats & Facts

Spain’s tactical blueprint during the tournament highlighted the statistical dominance of the Barcelona-infused lineup:

• 8 Barcelona Call-ups: Sergio Busquets, Gavi, Pedri, Jordi Alba, Ferran Torres, Alejandro Balde, Eric Garcia, and Ansu Fati.
• Record Possession: Spain registered 81.8% possession against Costa Rica, setting a FIFA World Cup record since detailed data collection began in 1966.
• Passing Accuracy: La Roja completed 976 passes in a single match, with the Barcelona midfield trio of Busquets, Gavi, and Pedri completing 94% of their combined passes.
• Direct Impact: Barcelona players accounted for three of the seven goals scored in the historic opening victory (Ferran Torres x2, Gavi x1).

Player Spotlight & Standings Impact

Gavi stole the spotlight by becoming the youngest World Cup goalscorer since Pelé in 1958, scoring a stunning volley at just 18 years and 110 days old. Alongside Pedri, the teenage midfield duo covered a combined 23.4 kilometers in the opening match, providing the high-energy press required by Enrique’s system.

While Spain’s World Cup campaign eventually ended in a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the Round of 16, the tournament solidified Barcelona’s domestic momentum. The international chemistry developed by the eight-man contingent propelled Barcelona to the 2022/23 La Liga title, finishing ten points clear at the top of the table.