Spain produced a dominant display to defeat Saudi Arabia 4-0 and take a significant step towards the World Cup knockout stages, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice in an emphatic Group H victory.
Having been held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde in their opening match, Spain responded in style, overwhelming their opponents with a ruthless first-half performance before adding a fourth goal shortly after the interval.
The breakthrough arrived after just 10 minutes.
A clever pass from Oyarzabal split the Saudi defence and found Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area. The teenage winger showed composure beyond his years, calmly guiding his finish into the net from close range to give Spain an early lead.
Spain continued to dominate possession and were rewarded again in the 21st minute.
A corner was delivered into the box and Aymeric Laporte rose highest to knock the ball across goal, where Oyarzabal reacted quickest to steer it beyond the goalkeeper and double Spain’s advantage.
The Spaniards barely allowed Saudi Arabia time to regroup before striking again.
Just three minutes later, Dani Olmo spotted Oyarzabal’s run and delicately lifted the ball over the defence. The forward timed his movement perfectly before firing confidently into the net to complete a devastating spell and put Spain 3-0 ahead.
Saudi Arabia struggled to cope with Spain’s movement and intensity throughout the opening half and found themselves facing an uphill task by the interval.
Any hopes of a second-half revival were effectively ended four minutes after the restart.
Marc Cucurella unleashed an effort that took a decisive deflection off defender Hassan Tambakti before looping into the net for an unfortunate own goal, extending Spain’s lead to four.
With the outcome beyond doubt, Spain controlled possession and managed the remainder of the contest comfortably, limiting Saudi Arabia to few meaningful opportunities while continuing to threaten on the counter-attack.
The result marked a timely response from Luis de la Fuente’s side after their opening draw and showcased the attacking quality that has made Spain one of the favourites to challenge for the title.
For Saudi Arabia, defeat leaves them with work to do in their remaining group matches if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
Spain, meanwhile, can take confidence from a polished display that combined defensive solidity with clinical finishing, led by the influential Oyarzabal and the ever-dangerous Yamal.
Spain will face Uruguay in their final Group game while Saudi Arabia take on Cabo Verde.
