On his 65th birthday, Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente received the ideal gift from his players, who delivered a stunning performance in Atlanta. After struggling to score during their previous match against Cape Verde, Spain found their rhythm, netting three goals against Saudi Arabia before the first hydration break, showcasing a revitalized team spirit. “Life is to be enjoyed,” Lamine Yamal had proclaimed, and the squad certainly embraced that philosophy.
Yamal, returning from a hamstring injury, opened the scoring just ten minutes into his first start since April. Mikel Oyarzabal quickly followed with two goals within the first quarter of the match. By the time the final whistle blew, Spain had secured a decisive four-goal victory, allowing De la Fuente to substitute players like Mikel Merino and Nico Williams to give them valuable experience. “We wanted to be Spain again,” De la Fuente stated, and his team delivered emphatically.
Game Strategy and Player Impact
De la Fuente adjusted the starting lineup, swapping to a 4-2-3-1 formation from the previous 4-3-3 setup that ended in a draw. The new approach paid off, with players like Pedro Porro, Álex Baena, and Dani Olmo significantly influencing the game. Notably, Lamine Yamal, likened by De la Fuente to artists Salvador Dalí and Michelangelo, made an impressive return, contributing immensely in his limited time on the pitch.
Spain’s dominance was clear from the outset; they were three goals ahead within just 24 minutes. The action began with Yamal’s skillful play, where he evaded Salem al-Dawsari with a Cruyff turn, creating a pivotal moment early on. He quickly became the focus, touching the ball more than any other player in the initial minutes and scoring the first goal within ten minutes.
“Life is to be enjoyed,” Lamine Yamal had said, and that sentiment was contagious.
Yamal was not the only one performing well; Spain’s attacks primarily flowed from the left side, culminating in the opening goal. Baena’s deft pass allowed Oyarzabal to cross the ball into the six-yard box, where Yamal slid in to finish. Celebrating on his knees, he offered a moment of prayer, making him the second youngest player to score a World Cup opener, following only Pelé.
Oyarzabal’s role grew as he notched an assist and two goals in the first half. His first goal came after Aymeric Laporte capitalized on a defensive mistake during a corner, nodding the ball down for a straightforward finish. Moments later, another quick play highlighted Spain’s attacking ambition as Porro’s cross found Cucurella, who redirected it for Oyarzabal to score again, showcasing Spain’s fluid passing without allowing the ball to bounce.
Continuing the Momentum
Oyarzabal nearly added a third goal, hitting the crossbar with a remarkable shot just before halftime. Although he was substituted at the break, his contributions were significant, bringing his tally to 14 goals and seven assists in his last 13 appearances for Spain. The team unleashed a total of 17 shots, reflecting their intent to respond positively after their previous match’s disappointment.
Despite the early lead, Spain maintained composure throughout the game. Coach De la Fuente acknowledged that they were “stung” by criticism after the opening match, and this performance served as a strong rebuttal. Players like Pedri and Olmo created opportunities, with Spain enjoying over 70% possession, which they utilized purposefully. “We want to say ‘here we are’,” Laporte remarked, and their presence was felt all over the pitch.
A notable moment came just before halftime, with Yamal sprinting back across the field to halt a rare Saudi advance led by al-Dawsari. By then, it was clear that Spain was in control, and their relentless pursuit for more goals continued in the second half. A poorly defended corner allowed Cucurella to volley in the fourth goal, which was ultimately credited as an own goal by Hassan Al-Tambakti.
Finishing Strong
Substitutions were made, with Pedri and Baena joining Yamal and Oyarzabal on the sidelines. Merino and Williams stepped in, contributing to a relaxed yet effective finish to the game. Williams nearly assisted Yéremy Pino for a fifth goal late in the match, while Ferran Torres found the net in stoppage time, only for the goal to be overturned by VAR. De la Fuente could celebrate a perfect birthday, having witnessed his team reclaim their form.
