Saudi Arabia’s World Cup ambitions suffered a significant setback on Sunday as European champions Spain beat the Green Falcons 4-0 in Atlanta, leaving Georgios Donis’s side with everything to play for in their final group match.
Despite holding Uruguay to a credible 1-1 draw in their opening fixture, the Saudis struggled to contain a rampant Spanish side inspired by the return of Lamine Yamal. The young forward, starting for the first time in two months following a hamstring injury, broke the deadlock inside 10 minutes.
Mikel Oyarzabal then added two further goals before the half-hour mark, before an unfortunate own goal from Hassan Al-Tambakti completed the scoreline.
Defensive Lapses Prove Costly
Notably, two of Spain’s goals stemmed directly from corners, a pattern that will concern Donis as he reviews his side’s defensive organisation.
Oyarzabal’s opener came from Aymeric Laporte’s flick-on, while Marc Cucurella’s saved shot deflected in off Tambakti for the fourth.
Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia’s World Cup fate remains in their own hands.
The Green Falcons travel to Houston for a decisive final group fixture against debutants Cape Verde, knowing victory would secure progression to the knockout stages for the first time since the tournament was last staged in the United States 32 years ago.
For Spain, meanwhile, Sunday’s emphatic win lifted De la Fuente’s side to the top of Group H, following a goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opener that had drawn criticism. They now travel to Guadalajara to face two-time champions Uruguay on Friday.
