Spain secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in their Group H World Cup match on Sunday, June 21, in Atlanta. The win came after Spain's underwhelming 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in their tournament opener. Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona winger, made his first World Cup start and scored Spain's opening goal in the 10th minute. Mikel Oyarzabal added two goals and an assist, while an own goal by Saudi Arabia's Hassan Altambakti sealed the result. Spain now leads Group H with three points, while Saudi Arabia remains on one point after two matches.
Uruguay's Frustration
Meanwhile, Uruguay settled for a 2-2 draw against Cape Verde, leaving coach Marcelo Bielsa disappointed. Bielsa believed his team should have won both of their matches so far, citing defensive errors as the reason for dropped points. Uruguay is now tied with Cape Verde on two points, trailing Spain by three.
Saudi Arabia's Defensive Struggles
Saudi Arabia's coach, Georgios Donis, acknowledged his team's defensive shortcomings, particularly around their penalty area. Despite a strong defensive setup, Spain's attacking prowess proved too much. Donis emphasized the difficulty of facing one of the tournament's top teams but remained proud of his players' effort.
Spain's Response to Criticism
Spain's manager, Luis de la Fuente, dismissed criticism following their poor opener, calling it 'crazy' to doubt his team. He highlighted their unbeaten streak and the young talent in the squad, including Yamal, who has been compared to football legends. De la Fuente also noted that the team's motivation was fueled by the criticism they faced.
Looking Ahead
Spain will face Uruguay next, while Saudi Arabia takes on Cape Verde. The results will determine the group's final standings, with Spain aiming to secure their place in the knockout stage.