On the occasion of Luis de la Fuente’s 65th birthday, his squad delivered a spectacular performance in Atlanta, erasing the skepticism that lingered from their previous match. After struggling to score against Cape Verde, Spain found their rhythm early, netting three goals against Saudi Arabia before the players could even catch their breath.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring just ten minutes into his first start since recovering from a hamstring injury, while Mikel Oyarzabal contributed two goals in the first 24 minutes. The match concluded with a 4-0 triumph, allowing the coach to substitute in players like Mikel Merino and Nico Williams, providing them valuable experience. De la Fuente expressed a desire for his team to reclaim their identity, and they certainly did so in style.
Strategic Changes and Player Impact
The coach made four alterations to the starting lineup and shifted to a 4-2-3-1 formation, moving away from the 4-3-3 that produced a goalless draw with Cape Verde. Newcomers Pedro Porro, Álex Baena, and Dani Olmo made significant contributions, but it was Yamal, the 18-year-old talent likened to artistic greats, who truly shone in this match. His first start since April was cut short at halftime, but his impact was undeniable.
Spain quickly established dominance, scoring three goals within the first 24 minutes, with Yamal’s impressive play igniting the team’s momentum. His dynamic Cruyff turn set the tone for the match, as he earned a penalty and was involved in all the key moments early on. By the ten-minute mark, he had already found the back of the net.
“Life is to be enjoyed,” Yamal remarked, a sentiment that resonated throughout the team.
Oyarzabal, who had previously been quiet in the opener, sparked to life with an assist and two goals in the first half alone. His first goal came after Saudi Arabia failed to clear a corner, allowing Aymeric Laporte to head the ball down for an easy finish. The second goal showcased Spain’s attacking prowess; a curling cross from Pedro Porro found Marc Cucurella, who redirected it to Oyarzabal for a seamless finish.
Continued Dominance and Late Game Substitutions
Despite not scoring a third goal, Oyarzabal’s influence was felt throughout the match, as he took several shots, including one that hit the crossbar. By halftime, he had already made his mark, finishing with two goals before being replaced.
Spain’s offensive efforts were relentless, amassing 17 shots while maintaining over 70% possession. Following the disappointing draw, De la Fuente acknowledged the need to respond to criticism, and his players certainly did. With Pedri controlling the midfield and Olmo finding gaps in the defense, Spain showcased their intent to dominate.
Yamal’s defensive contributions were also notable, as he sprinted back to thwart a rare Saudi Arabia counterattack before being substituted. The match wrapped up with a fourth goal, a deflected effort credited as an own goal by Hassan Al-Tambakti, sealing an emphatic victory.
As the match drew to a close, De la Fuente made additional substitutions, allowing Merino and Williams to gain experience. A brilliant pass from Williams almost led to a fifth goal, and though Ferran Torres found the net in stoppage time, VAR ruled it out. Ultimately, De la Fuente celebrated his birthday with the perfect gift: a commanding performance from his team.
