Lamine Yamal scored on his first World Cup start as Spain thrashed Saudi Arabia 4-0 to claim their first win of the tournament and move top of Group H.
The Barcelona teenager started after coming off the bench in Spain’s opening goalless draw with Cape Verde. He made an immediate impact and helped Luis de la Fuente’s side produce a commanding display.
Yamal strikes early for Spain
Spain took the lead after 10 minutes. Mikel Oyarzabal’s low cross skipped past defender Hassan Al Tambakti and reached Yamal at the far post. The 18-year-old tapped home to give Spain the perfect start.
The goal made Yamal only the second player aged 18 or younger to score the opening goal in a World Cup match. Brazil legend Pele achieved the feat in 1958.
Spain continued to dominate after taking the lead. Oyarzabal doubled the advantage when he fired low past goalkeeper Mohammad Al-Owais after Saudi Arabia failed to clear a corner.
Three minutes later, the Real Sociedad forward grabbed his second. He met Dani Olmo’s flick-on with a close-range finish to make it 3-0.
Oyarzabal nearly completed a first-half hat-trick. He intercepted a poor pass from Al-Owais but struck the crossbar with his effort.
Spain maintain control after the break
Yamal and Oyarzabal came off at half-time, but Spain maintained their dominance.
Marc Cucurella forced a save from Al-Owais shortly after the restart. The rebound then struck Al Tambakti and rolled into the net for an own goal that made it 4-0.
Spain eased off after the fourth goal but still created chances. Substitute Ferran Torres dragged a shot wide after breaking through on goal.
Saudi Arabia managed just one effort on target. Abdullah Al Hamdan tested the goalkeeper with 10 minutes remaining.
Torres thought he had added a fifth goal in stoppage time, but the video assistant referee ruled it out for offside after a lengthy review.
Yamal and Oyarzabal lead Spain’s response
Yamal had impressed in his substitute appearance against Cape Verde and quickly justified his place in the starting line-up.
Recently back from a hamstring injury, the teenager caused problems for Saudi Arabia wing-back Moteb Al-Harbi throughout the opening stages.
Spain produced a relentless first-half display and registered 17 attempts before the break.
Oyarzabal also enjoyed a memorable outing. After failing to touch the ball in the opening 30 minutes against Cape Verde, he delivered three direct goal involvements within the first 25 minutes.
Although Al Tambakti’s own goal involved some luck, Spain’s four-goal advantage reflected their complete control.
Saudi Arabia now face a must-win clash against Cape Verde in their final group game. Defeat would see the Green Falcons suffer a sixth group-stage exit since the 1994 World Cup.
Spain, meanwhile, sit top of Group H with four points from two matches. They will head into their final group game against Uruguay full of confidence.
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