Lamine Yamal’s return to the side inspired Spain as the European champions beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta to revive their World Cup campaign.
Returning from a hamstring injury, Yamal ended Spain’s long wait for a World Cup goal after 10 minutes. Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice to put Luis de la Fuente’s side 3-0 ahead inside 24 minutes.
Yamal was withdrawn at half-time as part of careful management of his minutes, while a second-half own goal by Hassan al-Tambakti completed the scoring. The result lifted Spain to the top of Group H ahead of Uruguay’s meeting with Cape Verde later on Sunday.
Spain had begun the tournament with a 0-0 draw against debutants Cape Verde, a match in which they dominated possession but failed to score. The performance underlined Yamal’s importance to their push for a second world title.
De la Fuente had noted his players were “stung” by criticism after their opening match, and they responded strongly with four changes to the starting line-up, including Pedro Porro, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena alongside Yamal.
Spain’s breakthrough came after more than 2,500 passes and 50 attempts on goal since their previous World Cup strike, with Yamal finishing at the back post after Oyarzabal’s low cross.
Saudi Arabia, who drew 1-1 with Uruguay in their opener, showed limited improvement despite heavy investment in their domestic game. Coach Georgios Donis was left frustrated as two Spanish goals came from corners.
Oyarzabal extended the lead after meeting Aymeric Laporte’s flick-on, before adding a second with a volley from Dani Olmo’s header to reach 14 international goals in his last 13 appearances.
The Real Sociedad forward came close to a hat-trick when an effort from a tight angle struck the crossbar. With the match effectively settled by half-time, de la Fuente replaced both Yamal and Oyarzabal.
Spain’s dominance continued after the break, with the fourth goal arriving from another set-piece. Marc Cucurella’s shot was parried by Mohammed al-Owais before the rebound deflected in off Tambakti.
On his 65th birthday, de la Fuente also handed minutes to Nico Williams and Mikel Merino as Spain managed squad fitness and match rhythm. Saudi Arabia now face pressure ahead of their final group match against Cape Verde in Houston, with qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
Spain travel to Guadalajara for their final group fixture against two-time winners Uruguay on Friday.
