FIFA World Cup: Spain hit top gear as Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal inspire rout of Saudi Arabia

After a frustrating goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opening match, Luis de la Fuente's side arrived at Atlanta Stadium under pressure to produce both a result and a convincing performance. They delivered exactly that, overwhelming Saudi Arabia with three first-half goals before cruising through the second period.

Yamal, restored to the starting line-up after making only a substitute appearance in the opener, immediately injected energy into Spain's attack. The 18-year-old received a huge ovation from supporters and repaid them in the 10th minute, sliding in at the back post to convert Oyarzabal's low cross and score his first World Cup goal.

The Barcelona sensation also etched his name into the record books, becoming only the second player aged 18 or younger to open the scoring in a World Cup match after Pele's strike for Brazil against Wales in 1958.

With the breakthrough secured, Spain played with far greater freedom than they had shown against Cape Verde. Their second goal arrived from a corner after Saudi Arabia failed to clear their lines. Aymeric Laporte nodded the ball back into danger and Oyarzabal reacted quickest to bundle home from close range.

Three minutes later, Spain produced one of the moves of the match. Pedro Porro floated a pass into the area and a slick sequence involving Marc Cucurella and Dani Olmo ended with Oyarzabal volleying home from inside the six-yard box to make it 3-0 after just 24 minutes.

The Real Sociedad forward, who had endured a difficult evening in Spain's opener and barely touched the ball during the first half hour against Cape Verde, was transformed. He nearly completed a first-half hat-trick after capitalising on a misplaced pass from goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, only to see his effort crash against the crossbar. Another opportunity drifted wide as Saudi Arabia struggled to contain Spain's relentless attacking play.

By halftime, the contest was effectively over and De la Fuente, celebrating his 65th birthday, opted to protect his two standout performers by withdrawing both Yamal and Oyarzabal.

Spain's dominance continued after the restart and a fourth goal arrived four minutes into the second half. Cucurella's volley from a corner was well saved by Al Owais, but the rebound struck defender Hassan Al Tambakti and bounced into the net for an unfortunate own goal.

The European champions eased off thereafter, controlling possession and creating further opportunities without needing to force the issue. Ferran Torres thought he had added a fifth goal in stoppage time, but VAR intervened to rule the effort out for offside.

The victory lifted Spain to four points from two matches and restored confidence after their underwhelming tournament opener. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, remain on one point and face an uphill battle to progress.

Spain will conclude their Group H campaign against Uruguay, while Saudi Arabia take on Cape Verde, with both matches set to be played simultaneously on June 27.

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