Relief all round as Costa scores first goal for Spain

He had to wait for seven matches, while seeing chance after chance either go wide or saved, but much to his own delight and that of Spain coach Vicente del Bosque and the entire country, Brazilian-born striker Diego Costa scored his first international goal.

It may have been the third of an easy win over a weak Luxembourg side Sunday, but Costa's goal was a huge weight off his back and that of Del Bosque, who had maintained faith in the forward, despite a slow start to his international career, reports Xinhua.

"We all wanted it, and we're very happy," said Del Bosque, who had looked frustrated as Costa missed several chances before his second half goal.

"He has always moved well and worked hard. He will be a very important player for us in the future," said Del Bosque.

"At half time I told him to relax. We all noticed he was a little nervous, unhappy with himself and looking for the answer, but when a player puts in as much he does, he will always end up passing the exam," continued the coach, who believes Costa can form an effective partnership with Paco Alcazer, who scored his third goal in three games in the match.

Meanwhile Costa, who has scored nine goals in the Premier League for Chelsea this season, was also delighted to 'break his duck'.

"It was bothering me. It played on my mind and this has given me new life," he commented on Spanish television.

Costa added that his goal was simple, given that all he had needed to do was force home a loose ball, but thanked Del Bosque for his support.

"With every game he gave me a new opportunity," he concluded.