Rodri's Spain cruise to victory over Saudi Arabia

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Manchester City F.C.

·21 Juni 2026

Rodri's Spain cruise to victory over Saudi Arabia

Spain are almost guaranteed a place in the World Cup Round of 32 after thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta

After an underwhelming opening Group H draw with Cape Verde, La Roja needed a statement win to restore confidence - and they got it.

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Rodri, wearing the captain’s armband, gave a commanding display as Spain put the Saudis under pressure from the word go.

And it took just 10 minutes to make that pressure pay, as Mikel Oyarzabal ‘s cross was turned in by Lamine Yamal at the far post.

The Spanish then effectively ended the contest with two goals in three minutes on 21 and 24 minutes, with Mikel Oyarzabal the scorer on each occasion and former City favourite Aymeric Laporte providing an assist for one of the goals.

Rodri looked sharp and commanding throughout and Spain added a deserved fourth just after the restart when Hassan Al Tambakti turned a Marc Cucurella shot on 48 minutes to complete a resounding win that all-but officially confirms their progress to the next phase.

Rodri, winning his 64th cap, played the full 90 minutes and the victory will be a welcome early present ahead of his 30th birthday tomorrow (22 June).

Belgium report to follow...