Spain bounce back with 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, Yamal scores on World Cup debut start
Spain responded to their disappointing opening draw against Cape Verde with a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in their second Group B match of the World Cup. The win, powered by an impressive performance from 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, puts Spain within a point of qualification for the knockout stages.
Coach Luis de la Fuente had acknowledged the team's frustration after being held goalless by Cape Verde, stating that criticism served as motivation. On Tuesday night at Atlanta Stadium, Spain demonstrated the attacking fluidity that was missing in their first match.
Yamal, making his first World Cup start, opened the scoring in the 10th minute. After a swift midfield transition, Mikel Oyarzabal fed the ball to Yamal, who slotted past Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais from close range. The goal marked the teenager's arrival on the global stage.
Oyarzabal then scored twice in quick succession. In the 15th minute, he finished from a corner kick that Aymeric Laporte headed to him. Three minutes later, Dani Olmo set him up for a second goal, giving Spain a 3-0 lead before the first hydration break.
Oyarzabal nearly completed a hat-trick in the 36th minute, but his effort struck the crossbar. Spain went into halftime with a comfortable lead, having dominated possession and created several chances.
Saudi Arabia, who had adopted a defensive 5-4-1 formation in an attempt to replicate Cape Verde's resistance, struggled to contain Spain's wing play and central combination. Their first shot on target did not come until the 81st minute, a tame effort easily saved by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Spain continued to press after the break. Substitute Ferran Torres delivered a corner that was flicked on to Marc Cucurella, whose powerful left-footed shot deflected off Hassan Al-Tambakti and into the net in the 58th minute. Spain thought they had scored a fifth in stoppage time, but Pedro Porro's cross was turned in by Torres, only for the goal to be ruled offside after a video review.
The victory puts Spain on four points from two matches, while Saudi Arabia remain on three points with one game to play. Both teams still have a chance to advance.
