Spain routs Saudi Arabia 4-0 as Yamal becomes second-youngest to open World Cup scoring

Spain's attacking display

Spain rebounded from a goalless draw against Cape Verde with a dominant first half. Yamal, making his first start of the tournament, tapped in Oyarzabal's cross at the far post in the 10th minute. Oyarzabal then scored twice in three minutes, first finishing a sustained attack in the 21st and then heading in from an Olmo cross in the 24th. Marc Cucurella added the fourth shortly after the break, converting in the 49th minute. Saudi Arabia, coached by Georgios Donis, offered little resistance after the early blitz.

Yamal's record-breaking goal

At 18 years and 343 days, Yamal became the second-youngest player to open the scoring in a World Cup match, behind only Pelé (17 years, 239 days in 1958). He also moved into eighth place on the all-time youngest World Cup scorers list, surpassing Lionel Messi by 14 days. The Barcelona forward had not started the opening 0-0 draw with Cape Verde but was handed a place in the lineup against Saudi Arabia and delivered immediately.

Group H picture

Cape Verde earned their first ever World Cup goals in a 2-2 draw with Uruguay earlier in the day. The results leave Spain top with four points and a plus-four goal difference. Uruguay and Cape Verde each have two points, while Saudi Arabia sit bottom with one point. The group remains wide open heading into the final matchday.

Spain4

Uruguay2

Cape Verde2

Saudi Arabia1

Spain

4 points

Uruguay

2 points

Cape Verde

2 points

Saudi Arabia

1 points

Data from the article text

What's next

Spain face Uruguay on 27 June, while Cape Verde meet Saudi Arabia at the same time. A draw would guarantee Spain's progression to the round of 32, while Uruguay and Cape Verde both need wins to keep their hopes alive.