Alvaro Morata does something he’s not managed in three years as Spain star is hailed for his movement and ‘tireless’ work after goal during World Cup clash against Japan

Alvaro Morata moved himself to joint-top scorer of the World Cup as he headed Spain in front in their clash against Japan.

The forward gave his country the lead in their crucial Group E clash against their opponents, with the 30-year-old showing his quality in Qatar.

Morata’s goal makes him the joint top scorer at this year’s World Cup, joining Marcus Rashford, Kylian Mbappe, Cody Gakpo and Enner Valencia on three.

The Atletico Madrid forward has now netted in three successive matches, which is the third time he’s managed that since November 2019.

It was a great header from Morata, and his overall performance has impressed former England star Stuart Pearce.

Pearce said on commentary for talkSPORT: “Morata has impressed me in these early stages, he’s worked tirelessly. He’s got his goal already and his movement is really good.”

Pearce added: “I’ve been really impressed with his movement. You can see him working across the line and dipping in like good strikers do. He was never going to miss from six yards, a towering header.”

Opta have also revealed that Morata’s nine goals at the World Cup and Euros since 2016 are twice as many as any other Spaniard during such a period of time.

Despite Morata’s first half goal, Japan equalised shortly after the break through Ritsu Doan and soon grabbed a second just moments later thanks to Ao Tanaka’s finish, even though the ball looked like it went out of play beforehand.

Spain are now on course to finish second in the group and should they do so, they will face Morocco in the Round of 16, with leaders Japan sneaking through to play Croatia.

9 – Álvaro Morata has scored nine goals at the World Cup and European Championships since 2016, more than twice as many as any other Spain player in this period. Reliable. pic.twitter.com/i2BG2dTg2F

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 1, 2022