Spain bounced back from their disappointing opening draw with a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, inspired by teenage star Lamine Yamal and a clinical Mikel Oyarzabal.
Spain sent a clear message to the rest of the World Cup field on Sunday, brushing aside Saudi Arabia 4-0 to climb to the top of Group H and reignite their campaign.
The European champions had come under pressure after a frustrating opening draw against Cape Verde, but they responded in style. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal needed just 10 minutes of his first World Cup start to announce himself, sliding home Mikel Oyarzabal’s inviting cross for his maiden goal on football’s biggest stage.
Oyarzabal then took centre stage. The striker, criticised after a quiet outing in Spain’s opener, silenced doubters with two quick-fire goals in the 21st and 24th minutes, putting Spain firmly in control before halftime.
The dominance continued after the break when Saudi defender Hassan Altambakti inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, completing a miserable afternoon for the Gulf nation.
Spain’s comfortable lead allowed coach Luis de la Fuente to rest key players, including Yamal and Oyarzabal, while injured stars Nico Williams and Mikel Merino gained valuable minutes off the bench.
The victory marked a perfect 65th birthday celebration for De la Fuente and lifted Spain to four points from two matches. Saudi Arabia remain on one point and now face an uphill battle to reach the knockout rounds.
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