SALVADOR, Brazil – Brazilian fans greeted Diego Costa's return to his native land to play for Spain at the World Cup with jeers and insults on Friday.
The Brazilian-born striker responded to the chants by setting up Spain's opening goal of the tournament against the Netherlands.
Costa won a penalty in the 26th-minute that Xabi Alonso converted a minute later to give Spain a 1-0 lead in its Group B opener, a rematch of the 2010 final won by Spain.
Costa opted to play for Spain instead of Brazil and was expecting a tough reception upon his return.
Fans at Salvador's Arena Fonte Nova jeered Costa with every touch of the ball, chanting his name with explicit words.
Costa was played into the area before being brought down by defender Stefan de Vrij.
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