Lamine matches Pelé as Spain rediscover their infernal rhythm | OneFootball

Spain rediscovered their bite with a ruthless win over Saudi Arabia, easing criticism after the Cape Verde opener. Lamine returned to the XI and scored in a display built on width and urgency.

Saudi coach Georgios Donis described Spain's tempo as infernal and said he used a 5-4-1 to protect the flanks, arguing 4-4-2 is ill-suited against their wingers and full-backs. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the mood around the camp has settled.

Width told, with Lamine and Pedro Porro on the right and Cucurella and Baena from the left. Lamine scored in his first World Cup start at 18 years and 343 days, short of Gavi's 18 years and 110 days, and, alongside Pelé, became the first to open a World Cup match aged 18 or under.

Luis de la Fuente withdrew Lamine at half-time with the result secure, saying he could have played more if required. He said Lamine is in perfect condition and that leaving him hungry for more was positive, noting Nico also finished happy.

Mikel Oyarzabal was player of the match after an assist and two goals inside 24 minutes, a sharp contrast to his quiet start against Cape Verde. Thierry Henry praised his movement and ruthlessness, adding Spain's 3-0 interval lead sent a message.

The squad are based at Baylor School in Chattanooga and will travel to Guadalajara, Mexico, on Wednesday. A media lunch on Monday formed part of the reset. The journey should end at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo