By Samuel Akpan
Spain erased the memory of their shock goalless draw against Cape Verde with a dominant 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, as teenage star Lamine Yamal announced his World Cup arrival in style.
Six days after a disappointing stalemate against the 67th-ranked side sent ripples of concern, the European champions returned to the same venue and delivered a commanding performance that reaffirmed their status as tournament favorites.
Yamal, handed a starting role, broke the deadlock in the 11th minute by slotting home from Mikel Oyarzabal’s precise cross, igniting La Roja’s campaign and thrilling the crowd at Atlanta Stadium.
The Barcelona sensation dazzled early on the right flank, using his speed, trickery, and physicality to torment the Saudi defense and create danger from the opening moments.
Oyarzabal then capitalized on Saudi defensive chaos to score twice in quick succession.
First, he pounced after Firas Al-Buraikan’s failed clearance turned into a pinball scramble inside the box.
Just two minutes later, the Real Sociedad forward added his second from close range at the back post following Dani Olmo’s header, effectively sealing the result before halftime.
Marc Cucurella completed the rout shortly after the break, finding himself unmarked in the six-yard box from a corner to make it 4-0.
Coach Luis de la Fuente wisely withdrew Yamal at half-time with the game well won, protecting the young talent after an impressive 45-minute display.
Oyarzabal was also substituted despite being close to a hat-trick.
Yamal’s early impact stood out, showcasing the flair and cutting edge Spain lacked against Cape Verde.
His knee-slide celebration after scoring added a moment of light-hearted charm.
Atletico Madrid’s Alex Baena impressed on the left, linking effectively with Cucurella, while Olmo posed a constant threat in an attacking role.
The midfield fluidity highlighted Spain’s attacking depth.
Saudi Arabia, under new coach Georgios Donis who only took charge in late April, struggled badly at the back.
Their passive defending and errors gifted Spain multiple easy opportunities.
The Gulf side improved slightly after the interval but could not prevent a one-sided contest, managing only to limit further damage in the second half.
Spain’s display featured smooth tika-taka possession and clinical finishing, turning the match into a comfortable workout after the early blitz.
The Cape Verde result now appears a mere blip, as this ruthless showing reminded everyone why La Roja are among the top contenders heading into the later stages in New Jersey.
Expensive resale tickets exceeding $1,000 contributed to visible empty seats at Atlanta Stadium, though the red seating helped them blend with Spain’s kit colors.