Spain Defeat Argentina in 6-1 Romp; Isco Nets Hat-Trick in 2018 Friendly

Spain bolstered their credentials as one of the leading contenders for the 2018 FIFA World Cup as they thrashed Argentina 6-1 in a friendly encounter at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday.

Diego Costa and Isco put the hosts ahead inside the first half-hour, but Nicolas Otamendi's 39th-minute header got Argentina back in the game before the break.

However, two quickfire Spain goals from Isco and Thiago Alcantara in the 10 minutes following half-time effectively wrapped up the win. 

Seventeen minutes from time, Iago Aspas got on the scoresheet before Isco completed his hat-trick moments later to seal a ludicrously comfortable evening for the Spanish.

Argentina were without Lionel Messi because of injury, but manager Jorge Sampaoli was left with a lot to ponder after a poor defensive display from his side. 

Both lineups were provided ahead of kick-off:

The fixture began with an intensity that belied the friendly label attached. 

The pace was frantic and tackles were flying in, and the manner of Spain's opener after 12 minutes highlighted the spiky atmosphere between the two sides.

Costa was fed in the box by Marco Asensio, and the fully committed Atletico forward was able to poke home despite being challenged from behind and in front.

He and Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero were both injured in the collision, and though Costa was able to continue, the Manchester United stopper had to be replaced by Willy Caballero minutes after conceding the opener.

PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/Getty Images

Isco netted his first in the 27th minute to put Spain 2-0 up, the Real Madrid man sweeping home from 12 yards following delightful work by Asensio.

An out-of-sorts Gonzalo Higuain had squandered two decent opportunities for Argentina in the opening exchanges, but it was a rare mistake from Spain goalkeeper David De Gea that got the visitors back in the game.

Otamendi rose well to meet a corner six minutes from the break, but although he directed his header into the corner of the goal, most would have expected De Gea to keep the effort out, per football writer Karl Matchett:

It mattered little in the end as Spain bullied Argentina in the second half.

Two goals in three minutes from Isco and Alcantara soon after the break both came from well-worked moves and fine finishes, but Argentina were a shambles at the back.

The nadir for the Albiceleste came when Aspas made it 5-1 in the 73rd minute. A simple long ball from De Gea split Otamendi and Marcos Rojo, and the Celta Vigo man nipped in ahead of Caballero to bury a first-time half-volley into the back of the net.

Isco then sealed his treble a minute later as Argentina were dispossessed deep in their own half, and quick work from Aspas set up his 25-year-old team-mate for another smart finish.