News Focus
- Spain secure dominant 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in World Cup 2026 group stage clash
- Lamine Yamal scores on first start since April injury, with Mikel Oyarzabal netting twice
- Coach Luis de la Fuente celebrates 65th birthday as La Roja bounce back from Cape Verde stalemate
- La Roja switch to 4-2-3-1 formation and enjoy over 70% possession against Asian opponents
Luis de la Fuente had joked he wanted a new jumper for his birthday. His Spain players gave him something far better. The coach celebrated his 65th birthday in Atlanta, watching his side produce a commanding performance at the World Cup.
La Roja had drawn a blank against Cape Verde in their opening match. This time, they found their rhythm immediately. They scored three times before the first hydration break. The final score stood at four goals to nil.
Teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal made his first start since April following a hamstring injury. He marked his return with a goal after just ten minutes. The 18-year-old converted a low cross from Oyarzabal at the far post. He celebrated with a knee slide before bowing in prayer. Only Pelé had scored a World Cup opener at a younger age.
Oyarzabal enjoyed a superb afternoon too. He doubled the lead when Aymeric Laporte nodded a corner into his path. Moments later, he fired home again after a fluid move involving Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella. He nearly completed a hat-trick when his curling effort struck the crossbar.
De la Fuente switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 formation. The change brought the best from Pedro Porro, Álex Baena and Dani Olmo. Rodri and Pedri dictated play from the centre of the park, completing over 100 passes between them. Spain controlled more than 70% of the ball.
The fourth goal arrived after half-time. Cucurella struck a volley that took a heavy deflection off defender Hassan Al-Tambakti for an own goal.
With the match won, De la Fuente introduced fresh legs. Mikel Merino and Nico Williams gained valuable minutes on the pitch. Ferran Torres had a late strike ruled out by VAR. The victory was already secure, allowing the squad to toast their coach’s special day.