Spain overwhelms Saudi Arabia 4-0 with Yamal and Oyarzabal at the centre of Group H charge
Lamine Yamal marked his first World Cup start with a goal and Mikel Oyarzabal added a brace as Spain crushed Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta to seize control of Group H.
Yamal's return ignites Spain
After a goalless draw with Cape Verde, Luis de la Fuente handed Lamine Yamal his first start in the tournament. The 18-year-old winger, recovering from a thigh injury that had limited him to 20 minutes in the opener, immediately gave the attack shape. He opened the scoring in the 10th minute by sliding in Oyarzabal's low cross at the far post. That was Yamal's first World Cup goal at 18 years and 343 days, making him the eighth-youngest scorer in tournament history, behind Pelé (17 years and 239 days) but ahead of Kylian Mbappé (19 years and 183 days). Yamal was substituted at half-time to protect his fitness, leaving the stadium in slippers to a standing ovation.
Oyarzabal's redemption arc
Mikel Oyarzabal had endured a dismal first match against Cape Verde, where he failed to register a touch for nearly 30 minutes. Against a technically limited Saudi Arabia, he turned provider first, then struck twice in quick succession. In the 21st minute he bundled in a corner amid defensive confusion, and three minutes later he converted a slick aerial team move involving Dani Olmo and Marc Cucurella to make it 3-0. He also rattled the crossbar later in the half, narrowly missing a hat-trick. Oyarzabal was also withdrawn at the break, the match already decided.
A cruise in the second half
Spain added a fourth four minutes after the restart: Marc Cucurella's volley was parried by goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais onto the back of Hassan Al-Tambakti, who could only watch the ball roll into his own net. With the lead secure, Spain managed the game, rarely threatened. A late Ferran Torres goal was ruled offside.
Group H picture
The result moves Spain to 4 points from two matches, all but guaranteeing a place in the round of 16. Saudi Arabia, beaten heavily, still have a chance if they defeat Cape Verde on the final matchday, having earlier drawn 1-1 with Uruguay. Cape Verde and Uruguay are also in contention.
