Spain cruise past Saudi Arabia as Yamal marks return

ATLANTA: Lamine Yamal made an immediate impact on his return from injury as Spain beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 on Sunday to move to the top of Group H at the World Cup.

Making his first start in two months after a hamstring problem, the Barcelona forward ended Spain's wait for a goal 10 minutes into the match. Mikel Oyarzabal then struck twice as Luis de la Fuente's side raced into a 3-0 lead inside 24 minutes. Saudi defender Hassan al-Tambakti's own goal in the second half completed the scoring.

The result gave Spain a strong response after their opening 0-0 draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde, a game in which they dominated possession but failed to score. Spain had made more than 2,500 passes and registered 50 attempts since their previous World Cup goal before Yamal finally broke through.

De la Fuente had said his players were hurt by the criticism that followed the draw with Cape Verde, and the team answered emphatically. Yamal was one of four changes to the starting side, with Pedro Porro, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena also brought in.

Fast start puts Spain in control

Spain took the lead when Oyarzabal found space behind the Saudi defence and sent in a low cross for Yamal to finish at the back post. Oyarzabal then added Spain's second when he reacted to Aymeric Laporte's flick-on from a corner.

The Real Sociedad forward got his second of the afternoon three minutes later, volleying home from Olmo's header. It was his 14th international goal in his last 13 appearances. Oyarzabal nearly completed a first-half hat-trick as well, but an audacious attempt from a tight angle struck the crossbar.

With the match effectively settled by the interval, De la Fuente took off both Yamal and Oyarzabal at half-time. Spain remained on the front foot after the break and got their fourth when Marc Cucurella was left with room to shoot. Although Mohammed al-Owais saved the initial effort, the rebound went in off Tambakti.

Coach manages Yamal's workload

De la Fuente said Spain still had work to do despite the convincing win.