By Dwayne Ferreira.
Yamal scores on his first World Cup start and Oyarzabal strikes twice as Spain crush Saudi Arabia 4-0 to take control of Group H.
Lamine Yamal scored on his first World Cup start and Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice as Spain restored their authority with a dominant 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta.
Spain entered the Group H match needing a response after being held to a surprising 0-0 draw by debutants Cape Verde. Saudi Arabia had also collected a point from their opener against Uruguay.
Luis de la Fuente restored Yamal to the starting line-up, and the 18-year-old immediately transformed Spain’s attack. His movement and willingness to run directly at defenders gave Saudi Arabia problems from the opening minutes.
Yamal scored after ten minutes, marking his first World Cup start with a composed finish. The goal also made him one of the youngest scorers in the competition’s history.
Spain continued attacking with the confidence that had been missing against Cape Verde. Rodri controlled the midfield, while Pedri and the players around him repeatedly moved Saudi Arabia’s defensive block out of position.
Oyarzabal doubled the lead in the 21st minute and struck again only three minutes later. The rapid double left Spain 3-0 ahead before the match had reached the halfway point of the first half.
His involvement in three early goals placed the forward in rare statistical company. Oyarzabal became only the second player since 1966 to contribute directly to three World Cup goals inside the opening 25 minutes.
Saudi Arabia attempted to remain compact, but the speed of Spain’s passing prevented them from settling. Their counterattacking opportunities were limited as Rodri and the Spanish central defenders controlled transitions.
The fourth goal arrived shortly after halftime when Hassan Al-Tambakti diverted the ball into his own net. With the result secure, De la Fuente began resting important players and testing his squad depth.
Spain’s management of the second half was almost as encouraging as their attacking start. They retained control, protected the clean sheet and avoided wasting unnecessary energy in demanding conditions.
The victory moved Spain to four points and placed them at the top of Group H. Their goal difference also improved dramatically before a far more difficult final fixture.
Saudi Arabia remain on one point and can still qualify by defeating Cape Verde. Their opening draw against Uruguay keeps them involved, although the scale of the defeat has damaged their goal difference.
Spain meet Uruguay on June 26 in a contest likely to determine the group’s final order. Cape Verde face Saudi Arabia simultaneously, with all four teams still holding a mathematical route into the Round of 32.
After a frustrating opening night, Spain rediscovered their identity. Yamal’s return, Oyarzabal’s sharp finishing and Rodri’s midfield authority provided the response expected from one of the tournament favourites.
MATCH SUMMARY
Spain – 4
Lamine Yamal 10’
Mikel Oyarzabal 21’, 24’
Hassan Al-Tambakti 49’ own goal
Saudi Arabia – 0
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group H
Venue: Atlanta Stadium
Result: Spain won 4-0
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