Lamine Yamal inspired Spain cruised to a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in World Cup Group H match on Sunday, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring two goals as Luis de la Fuente’s side proved their class after an uninspiring start to their campaign in the opener.
Yamal gave Spain the perfect start by scoring in the 10th minute. Oyarzabal, who barely touched the ball during Monday’s goalless draw against Cape Verde, then struck twice in quick succession as Spain took complete control and effectively sealed the match before half-time.
An own goal early in the second half made it 4-0, but it did little to change the outcome. With the game comfortably in hand, Spain made several substitutions and rested their key players.
De la Fuente celebrated his 65th birthday in style as Yamal, whose only appearance in the last two months had been a substitute outing against Cape Verde, brought fresh energy to the team in Atlanta.
The crowd erupted when Yamal got his first touch of the game, weaving past his marker before delivering a dangerous cross that was cleared by Saudi defender Abdulelah Alamri.
Spain’s opening goal came when Oyarzabal sent a low cross across the penalty area and Yamal slid in at the far post to score his first-ever World Cup goal.
The early breakthrough settled Spain, who had struggled to score in their opening match. Growing in confidence, they began creating chances regularly and doubled their lead from a corner.
After the Saudis failed to clear Dani Olmo’s delivery back into the box, Aymeric Laporte headed the ball down and Oyarzabal bundled it into the net.
Just three minutes later, Spain produced a beautifully worked move for their third goal. Pedro Porro floated a pass into the area and the ball stayed off the ground until it reached the net. Marc Cucurella’s clever pass found Olmo, who headed it across goal for Oyarzabal to volley home.
The striker once again showed his value when given quality service. Oyarzabal had already scored six goals in Spain’s qualifying campaign and nearly completed his hat-trick, only to see a shot from a tight angle hit the crossbar as Spain continued to attack relentlessly.
Spain substituted both Yamal and Oyarzabal at half-time but continued where they had left off. Soon after the restart, Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi saved Cucurella’s volley from a corner, but the rebound struck defender Hassan Altambakti and went into the net for an own goal.
The European champions kept creating opportunities but understandably eased off the intensity with the result already secured. Spain looked much closer to their best after a frustrating start to the tournament.
The victory moves Spain onto four points from two matches, while Saudi Arabia remain on one point.
