Yamal scores on first World Cup start as Spain rout Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta

Lightning start in Atlanta

After a sluggish 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, Spain hit top gear inside 24 minutes at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. Lamine Yamal slid in at the far post from Oyarzabal's cross to open the scoring (10'), before Oyarzabal himself struck twice (21' and 24'). An own goal by Hassan Altambakti (49') completed the rout in front of 68,239 fans. By halftime the game was over, allowing coach Luis de la Fuente to withdraw both Yamal and Oyarzabal.

Yamal's statement

Yamal, 18, had missed the end of Barcelona's season with a hamstring injury and appeared only as a substitute in the opener. Thrust into the starting lineup, he delivered immediately, becoming the second youngest Spanish scorer in World Cup history after Gavi in 2022. "The other World Cup I watched in class, and to be able to score here with my mother and my family is a dream," Yamal said after dropping to his knees, kissing the turf and praying in celebration.

The first match was something we weren't, it was different, but we've arrived and we're going for more.

Oyarzabal's redemption

Oyarzabal had not touched the ball in the first 30 minutes against Cape Verde, but this time he was involved 18 times in the same period. The Real Sociedad forward set up Yamal's goal and then scored twice, taking his tally to 14 goals and seven assists in his last 13 international appearances. No player had previously scored two and assisted another inside the first 24 minutes of a World Cup match.

I've always felt loved and valued. The teammates, the coach, the people day to day. That's what I keep. In football people will always talk.

De la Fuente hits back

De la Fuente, celebrating his 65th birthday, made four changes to the side. He defended his players against the criticism that followed the Cape Verde draw, pointing to Spain's 33-match unbeaten run. "It seems absolutely outrageous to doubt this team, this generation of footballers, so young, with an exceptional path," he said. Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis admitted his side defended poorly and made many errors on the ball.

We all agreed we needed more verticality and intensity. From the first minute we suffocated the opponent and kept them in their area.

What lies ahead

Spain move top of Group H with four points, awaiting the outcome of the Uruguay-Cape Verde match later Sunday. Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and Cape Verde each had one point before that fixture. Spain will next face Uruguay in Guadalajara on 26 June.