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Diego Costa said he was happy to end his "difficult time" with Spain as he scored twice in an 8-0 rout of Liechtenstein in Monday's World Cup qualifier. The Chelsea striker had only found the net once in his past 11 games for the national team but struck once in each half to help La Roja cruise in Leon. "Not only [have I been supported by] the coach, but my teammates have never left me and always supported me. Now things are going well for me," Costa said after the game. "I had a difficult time of it and a forward needs goals, but I think I'm now more involved in the game and knew the goals would come. "I could never complain about my teammates. I have to give them my thanks for how they've always supported me and never let me throw in the towel. "Criticism is normal because more is always asked of international players." The Chelsea striker also apologised to Spain fans after claiming last week he was unfairly criticised because he wasn't Spanish by birth or played and did not play for Real Madrid or Barcelona. "I apologise, what I said was not meant in bad faith," Costa told Spanish radio Cadena Ser. "It was said in the heat of the moment. "I just want to continue to work with my teammates and I'm eager to continue to grow." Spain coach Julen Lopetegui did not give Costa a chance to pursue a hat trick, removing him shortly after his second goal in favour of Alvaro Morata, who scored two goals of his own. "Ultimately, the players are masters of their destiny. We try to help them, but Diego [Costa] is a great player and showed it," the coach said. "We decided to start with Diego and when [our opponents] tired, Alvaro went on and did well." Spain scored seven of their eight goals in the second half, but Lopetegui said the first half was key to setting up the onslaught after the break. "I'm happy with the team's performance and the three points. It's important to start well," he said. "We had a very good second half but also [did well] in the first. What we sowed in the first half, we picked up in the second." Next up for Spain is the crucial trip to Italy, but Lopetegui said it was too early to say the match could decide the group winners. "They are three important points. Nothing's being played for as it's the second game, but it's true that it's a game we have hope and desire for," he said.
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