Class is permanent! Spain thrash Saudi Arabia to register first win of WC 2026

ATLANTA: Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente Castillo showed he is the 'boss' on Sunday following Spain’s emphatic return to supremacy by defeating an unpredictable Saudi Arabia in the second match of the World Cup. Castillo had benched his superstars in the first match against Cape Verde, which led to the reigning European Champions being held to a shocking draw. However, on Sunday, Spain made four changes, including the inclusion of teenager Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo in the starting eleven. This led to four goals being scored by Saudi Arabia. Yamal and his team played exactly how the fans expected Spain to play.

Spain stormed into the Saudi half from the first whistle. Yamal and Olmo were the spearheads. The Saudis, who were stunned by the rapid attacks, conceded the first goal in the 10th minute. This was Yamal’s first goal of the tournament. Oyarzabal scored two more goals in a quick span, pushing Spain to a 3-0 lead within 24 minutes.

Surprisingly, de la Fuente Castillo replaced Yamal and Oyarzabal at the end of the first half after it was certain that the game was under control. In the 49th minute, a shot from Mark Cuccerella turned into a goal after a deflection. In the 61st minute, Spain reduced the intensity of their attacks by withdrawing Olmo. In injury time, Ferran Torres scored, but the referee ruled it offside.

With this victory, Spain is at the top of Group H. Spain has four points with a win and a draw in two matches. Uruguay, which drew with Saudi Arabia in its last match, is second with one point. Saudi Arabia is third with one point, and Cape Verde is fourth.

Spain's next match is against Uruguay next Saturday. Saudi Arabia will face Cape Verde in the final match.