Spain Finally Find Scoring Rhythm
Lamine Yamal made a memorable return from injury as Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta to take control of Group H.
The Barcelona star made his first start in two months after recovering from a hamstring injury. He needed only 10 minutes to make an impact.
Yamal opened the scoring and ended Spain’s long wait for a World Cup goal. The early strike gave the European champions the confidence they lacked in their opening match.
Spain had started their campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Cape Verde. That result brought criticism despite their strong possession numbers.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente said his players had been hurt by the reaction to that draw. Against Saudi Arabia, they responded with pace, confidence, and clinical finishing.
Oyarzabal Scores Twice in First-Half Dominance
Spain doubled their lead through Mikel Oyarzabal after a corner routine created danger inside the Saudi box.
Aymeric Laporte flicked the ball on, and Oyarzabal reacted quickly to score from close range.
Just three minutes later, the Real Sociedad forward struck again. Dani Olmo headed the ball into his path, and Oyarzabal finished with a sharp volley.
The brace took his impressive scoring run to 14 international goals in his last 13 appearances.
Oyarzabal nearly completed a first-half hat-trick with a clever effort from a tight angle, but the ball hit the crossbar.
With Spain leading 3-0 at halftime, De la Fuente replaced both Yamal and Oyarzabal to manage their fitness.
Spain Move Top as Saudi Arabia Face Pressure
Spain continued to dominate after the break.
The fourth goal came from another set-piece situation. Marc Cucurella found space and forced a save from Mohammed al-Owais.
The rebound then deflected into the net off Hassan al-Tambakti.
The result moved Spain to the top of Group H ahead of Uruguay’s match against Cape Verde.
For De la Fuente, the win was an ideal response on his 65th birthday.
Nico Williams and Mikel Merino also returned from injury with valuable minutes off the bench.
Saudi Arabia now face pressure before their final group match against Cape Verde in Houston.
Spain will next travel to Guadalajara to face two-time world champions Uruguay on Friday.
