Spain strengthened their push for a place in the World Cup knockout stage with a commanding 4–0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, as Lamine Yamal opened the scoring before Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice in a dominant first-half display.
The European side controlled the game from the opening whistle, enjoying most of the possession, pressing high and forcing Saudi Arabia into repeated defensive errors.
Saudi Arabia tried to stay compact and hit Spain on the counterattack, but they struggled to move the ball out of their half as Spain’s intensity and quick passing left them chasing the game for long spells.
Yamal Opens Scoring For Spain
Spain took the lead in the 10th minute through Lamine Yamal, who calmly converted after receiving a pass from Oyarzabal inside the box.
The early goal gave Spain full control of the match and forced Saudi Arabia to abandon their cautious approach earlier than planned.
Yamal’s goal also carried historic significance, as he became the second player aged 18 or under to open the scoring in a World Cup match after Pele, who achieved the feat as a 17-year-old in 1958.
Oyarzabal Doubles Spain’s Lead
Spain made it 2–0 in the 21st minute through Mikel Oyarzabal, who reacted quickly after a loose ball dropped inside the Saudi penalty area following pressure from Dani Olmo and Aymeric Laporte.
Oyarzabal showed composure, taking a neat touch before firing a clinical finish into the right side of the net.
The goal further exposed Saudi Arabia’s defensive struggles as Spain continued to dominate the midfield and create chances with ease.
Oyarzabal Completes First-Half Brace
Oyarzabal struck again just minutes later to put Spain 3–0 ahead before halftime.
Dani Olmo provided the assist, lifting the ball over the Saudi defence for Oyarzabal, who met it well and finished confidently into the back of the net.
The brace increased Oyarzabal’s senior international tally for Spain and underlined his importance to the team’s attacking strength.
Saudi Arabia spent most of the first half pinned back, with Spain’s pressing game preventing them from building any sustained attacking pressure.
Spain Add Fourth After Break
Spain continued from where they stopped after the restart and added a fourth goal in the 49th minute.
Marc Cucurella’s effort appeared to be heading towards goal before it took a touch off Al-Tambakti and was recorded as an own goal, making it 4–0.
The fourth goal effectively ended Saudi Arabia’s hopes of a comeback and allowed Spain to control the rest of the match at their own pace.
VAR Denies Spain Fifth Goal
Spain thought they had scored a fifth goal in stoppage time through Ferran Torres, but the effort was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review.
Despite the disallowed goal, Spain had already done enough to seal a comfortable and one-sided victory.
Spain Close In On Knockout Stage
The result leaves Spain in a strong position in their group and moves them closer to qualification for the knockout stage.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, remain mathematically alive in the tournament but now face a difficult path after the heavy defeat.
They will need a positive result in their final group game against Cape Verde to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
