World Cup 2026: Spain player ratings as Lamine Yamal scores v Saudi Arabia | OneFootball

Spain rediscovered their swagger at the World Cup, sweeping aside Saudi Arabia with three first-half goals. Lamine Yamal marked his first World Cup start with a goal, and Oyarzabal struck twice.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, after the 0-0 with Cabo Verde, Spain were back among the favourites and certainty replaced doubt. Luis de la Fuente managed minutes smartly, keeping Lamine Yamal to one half and giving Mikel Merino and Nico Williams game time.

Oyarzabal also supplied the assist for Lamine Yamal’s first. After the interval Spain eased off without surrendering control. A Marc Cucurella volley forced a Saudi own goal, and Oyarzabal was replaced by Ferran Torres while Lamine Yamal did not return.

Unai Simón was largely a spectator. Pedro Porro attacked with freedom, Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte looked assured, and Cucurella was tidy. Rodri knitted play together expertly and Pedri was pure class before a rest with 20 minutes to go.

Dani Olmo was influential then protected. Álex Baena’s outside-of-the-boot touch released Oyarzabal before the assist for Lamine Yamal. From the bench, Yéremi Pino struggled for thrust, Ferran Torres was wasteful with one clear chance, the Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino was reintroduced and Nico Williams could not impose himself.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo