Spain delivered a stunning performance in their second FIFA World Cup group-stage match, completely overwhelming Saudi Arabia with a commanding 4–0 victory. The night belonged to two players in particular — the electrifying teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and the clinical Mikel Oyarzabal, who stole the show from the very first whistle.
First Half: Spain Takes Control Early
10th Minute — Lamine Yamal Opens the Scoring
The match exploded into life in just the 10th minute. Lamine Yamal received a perfectly weighted assist from Mikel Oyarzabal, slid in brilliantly, and slotted the ball home. It was his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal — and the crowd erupted.
For a teenager playing at the biggest stage in world football, it looked almost too easy.
12th Minute — Yamal Turns Provider
Just two minutes later, Lamine Yamal was at it again — this time trying to create instead of finish. He won the ball back and attempted a through pass for Alex Baena, but the Saudi goalkeeper was alert enough to intercept.
Still, Yamal’s energy and intent were impossible to ignore.
16th Minute — Oyarzabal Tests the Keeper
Mikel Oyarzabal tried his luck from outside the box with a powerful strike. The Saudi goalkeeper pulled off a solid save to keep it 1–0, but it was clear that Saudi Arabia’s defense was constantly under pressure.
20th Minute — Oyarzabal Makes It 2–0
The second goal came in the 20th minute. Oyarzabal showed incredible technique, bending the ball with the outside of his boot past the helpless goalkeeper. It was the kind of goal that leaves defenders rooted to the spot.
23rd Minute — Oyarzabal Heads Home for 3–0
Just three minutes later, Oyarzabal completed his brace — this time with a clinical header assist from Dani Olmo. Spain was in complete control.
35th Minute — Oyarzabal’s Hat-Trick Denied by the Crossbar
In the 35th minute, Oyarzabal spotted the Saudi goalkeeper off his line and let fly with another outside-of-the-boot effort. The ball cannoned off the crossbar and went out — so close to a hat-trick, but no goal.
Half-Time Score: Spain 3–0 Saudi Arabia
First Half Analysis
Spain’s first half was nothing short of a masterclass in possession football and clinical attacking play.
- Ball possession: Spain dominated well above 72%
- Spain played almost entirely in Saudi Arabia’s half
- Lamine Yamal was the creative heartbeat — dribbling past defenders, breaking Saudi lines with ease, and contributing both a goal and a constant threat
- Mikel Oyarzabal was lethal in front of goal, bagging two and hitting the woodwork once
- Saudi Arabia struggled to string passes together and offered very little going forward
Second Half: Rotation and VAR Drama
With the game already won, Spain made smart substitutions — bringing off Lamine Yamal and Oyarzabal to rest them, and introducing Ferran Torres and Yéremy Pino.
48th Minute — Own Goal Makes It 4–0
Marc Cucurella struck a volley that was deflected by the goalkeeper and, unfortunately, redirected into his own net by Saudi defender Hassan Altambakti. Spain’s lead extended to four goals.
59th Minute — Yellow Card for Kanno
Saudi midfielder Kanno was booked for a reckless elbow on Rodri. Saudi Arabia was already struggling physically and mentally.
60th Minute — Double Substitution for Spain
Spain rotated further — Nico Williams and Mikel Merino came on in place of Baena and Dani Olmo.
70th Minute — Pedri Makes Way for Fabián Ruiz
Spain continued managing their squad with an eye on the knockout rounds.
90+1 Minute — Torres Goal Ruled Out by VAR
Ferran Torres thought he’d scored a fifth with a simple tap-in from a Pedro Porro assist, but after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled offside.
Second Half Analysis
- Saudi Arabia finally registered their first shot on target in the 80th minute — a sign of how one-sided the match was
- Spain maintained their possession and passing rhythm throughout
- Unlike the first half, Saudi Arabia showed a few more counter-attacking moments in the second half, but couldn’t convert
- Spain’s squad depth was on full display, with every substitute slotting in seamlessly
Match Summary Table
| Stat | Spain | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 4 | 0 |
| First Shot on Target (2nd Half) | Early | 80th Minute |
| Key Players | Yamal, Oyarzabal | — |
| Possession | Dominant | Limited |
| Substitutions | 5 | — |
Key Takeaways
- Lamine Yamal scored his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal — a moment for the history books
- Mikel Oyarzabal was unstoppable with 2 goals and nearly a hat-trick
- Spain’s team depth was impressive — even after major rotations, quality didn’t drop
- Saudi Arabia offered almost nothing until very late in the second half
- Spain looks like a serious contender at this World Cup
Also Read: Lamine Yamal FIFA World Cup 2026: Is This Teenage Superstar About to Make History by Winning Best Player, Best Young Player & the World Cup All at Once?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Did Lamine Yamal score in Spain vs Saudi Arabia?
Yes! Lamine Yamal scored in the 10th minute with a sliding finish, assisted by Mikel Oyarzabal. It was his first-ever goal at the FIFA World Cup.
What was the final score of Spain vs Saudi Arabia?
Spain won the match 4–0 against Saudi Arabia. Goals came from Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal (×2), and an own goal by Hassan Altambakti.
How did Mikel Oyarzabal perform in Spain vs Saudi Arabia?
Oyarzabal had an outstanding first half — scoring twice, hitting the crossbar, and assisting Lamine Yamal’s opener. He was substituted at half-time as part of squad rotation.
Was Lamine Yamal substituted during the match?
Yes. To protect him ahead of later knockout stage matches, Lamine Yamal was substituted at half-time, with Ferran Torres coming on in his place.
Did Ferran Torres score against Saudi Arabia?
Torres appeared to score in the 90+1st minute with a tap-in from a Porro assist, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for offside.
I’m a football writer, covering top leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. I write about match analysis, football news, tactics, and major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, delivering clear, engaging insights for fans.
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