Spain Back on Track: Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal Dominate the World Cup
Spain officially announced their arrival at the 2026 World Cup with a spectacular 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia in Atlanta. Following a frustrating goalless draw against tournament debutants Cape Verde in their opening match, the pressure was entirely on La Roja to deliver. Luis de la Fuente’s squad did not just win; they put on a masterclass of quick passing, relentless attacking football, and absolute dominance to silence their critics.
A Historic Night for Lamine Yamal
The biggest talking point of the match was the return of 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal to the starting lineup. After an energetic appearance off the bench in the opening game, the Barcelona teenager wasted no time making an impact on the world stage.
Just ten minutes into the match, Mikel Oyarzabal delivered a low, fizzing cross from the left flank. The ball evaded the Saudi defense, allowing Lamine Yamal to slide in at the far post and poke it home. With this strike, he became the youngest player to open the scoring in a World Cup match since the legendary Pelé in 1958. It was a dream moment for the youngster, who had watched the previous tournament from his school classroom.
Oyarzabal’s First-Half Masterclass
While the teenager grabbed the early headlines, Mikel Oyarzabal was the architect of Saudi Arabia’s downfall. After struggling to find his rhythm in the opening game, the Real Sociedad forward enjoyed a historic first half.
Spain doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Saudi Arabia failed to clear a corner. Aymeric Laporte nodded the ball down into the chaos, and Oyarzabal was there to sweep it home. Barely two minutes later, Spain’s high-pressing full-backs combined beautifully. Pedro Porro’s cross found Marc Cucurella, who side-footed it to Dani Olmo. Olmo flicked it on, and Oyarzabal finished with precision to make it 3-0.
By registering three direct goal involvements in the opening 25 minutes, Oyarzabal became the first player to achieve this feat at the World Cup since 1982. He nearly secured a hat-trick before halftime, but his first-time effort struck the crossbar.
Complete Dominance by La Roja
With the game firmly under control, manager Luis de la Fuente chose to protect his star players, substituting both Lamine Yamal and Oyarzabal at halftime. The tactical changes did little to disrupt Spain’s rhythm.
Four minutes into the second half, Spain struck again. Cucurella fired a powerful volley from a corner, which rebounded off Saudi defender Hassan Al Tambakti and into the back of the net for an own goal. Dictating the tempo with over 70% possession, midfield maestro Rodri controlled the game completely. Though Ferran Torres had a late fifth goal ruled out for offside by VAR, the 4-0 victory was a perfect 65th birthday present for De la Fuente. Spain now sits comfortably at the top of Group H.
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