Yamal ignites Spain as Oyarzabal double seals 4-0 rout of Saudi Arabia in Atlanta

European champions Spain found their attacking rhythm at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, overwhelming Saudi Arabia with three first-half goals and an early second-half own goal to move top of Group H.

Yamal’s instant impact

Returning to the starting line-up for the first time in two months after a hamstring injury, the 18-year-old Barcelona winger gave Spain the early impulse they had lacked against Cape Verde. In the 10th minute, Alex Baena released Oyarzabal on the left, and his low cross found Yamal sliding in at the back post for his first World Cup goal.

Scoring in the World Cup, it's an incredibly special feeling. I've always dreamed of being at the World Cup, and to be able to score in my first match as a starter is a dream come true.

Yamal later responded on Instagram to Saudi fans who had taunted “Where is Yamal?” before kick-off, posting “Here I am. Let’s go Spain. Thank you all for the support, always with God.”

Oyarzabal’s quickfire double

Spain doubled their lead in the 21st minute after a corner was half-cleared. Aymeric Laporte headed the ball down for Oyarzabal, who bundled it home. Barely three minutes later, a flowing move involving Pedro Porro, Marc Cucurella and Dani Olmo ended with Oyarzabal volleying in from close range for his second goal of the night. The Real Sociedad forward came within inches of a first-half hat-trick when his audacious effort from a narrow angle struck the crossbar.

Coach Luis de la Fuente, who turned 65 on matchday, had made four changes after the 0-0 draw with Cape Verde and stressed his side needed “more verticality to play deeper.”

We analysed the previous match, and we all agreed that we needed more verticality to play deeper, and we saw this, and from minute one we were trying to suffocate the opponent.

Routine second half and own goal

With the contest effectively over, de la Fuente withdrew Yamal and Oyarzabal at half-time. Spain still added a fourth in the 49th minute when Cucurella’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais but ricocheted off defender Hassan al-Tambakti into the net.

Spain then managed the game, conserving energy ahead of their final Group H fixture. Oyarzabal, who had endured a frustrating opener without a touch in the first 30 minutes, now has 14 goals in his last 13 international appearances.

We’re so happy to have turned things around. I didn’t have that many touches of the ball in the first match, but today the service was there and I was able to finish.

Group H picture

Spain’s victory lifts them to four points, overtaking Cape Verde and Uruguay, who played out a 2-2 draw in Miami later on Sunday. Cape Verde twice led through Kevin Pina’s free-kick and Helio Varela’s equaliser, only for Maxi Araújo and Agustín Canobbio to give Uruguay brief leads. The debutants now have two points, the same as Uruguay, while Saudi Arabia remain on one point.

Belgium were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Iran in Group G, leaving the Red Devils still winless after two matches.