Spain crushes Saudi Arabia 4-0 behind Yamal-Oyarzabal double
Two-goal strike from the Barcelona-Betis duo erases World Cup opening doubts with emphatic victory in Doha.
Spain erased its World Cup opening-day disappointment with a 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia in Doha. The La Roja controlled the match from the first whistle, racing to a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes through Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal. Yamal opened the scoring in the 14th minute, slotting home after a quick one-two with Pedri.
Oyarzabal doubled the lead in the 19th, finishing low across the goalkeeper after a cut-back from Rodri. Spain’s high-pressing system stifled Saudi Arabia’s midfield, limiting their build-up play and forcing repeated long balls that Spain’s defensive line easily intercepted. Saudi Arabia barely threatened the Spanish goal, mustering just two shots in the opening half.
Spain added two more in the second period; Oyarzabal completed his brace in the 51st minute, latching onto a through ball from Gavi before rounding the keeper. Yamal wrapped up his second in the 66th, capitalizing on a defensive error to finish clinically. The rout exposed Saudi Arabia’s lack of tournament experience at this level, with their lone striker isolated and unable to link play effectively against Spain’s disciplined backline.
