Yamal and Oyarzabal silence critics as Spain bounce back with a 4-0 Saudi Arabia rout

Spain produced a statement performance at the Atlanta Stadium, dismantling Saudi Arabia 4-0 in their Group H clash to answer the questions raised after their disappointing opening draw against Cape Verde. La Roja showcased their trademark tiki-taka football, with Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal at the heart of a dominant display.

Spain started the game with intent, immediately taking control of possession and pushing Saudi Arabia deep inside their own half. Lamine Yamal looked electric from the opening whistle, constantly troubling the Saudi defence from the right flank with his movement and creativity.

The teenage sensation eventually got his reward in the 10th minute. After Mikel Oyarzabal broke down the left and delivered a perfectly weighted low cross, Yamal arrived at the far post and calmly slotted home to score his first FIFA World Cup goal. At 18 years old, Yamal became the second-youngest scorer in World Cup history, behind only Brazil legend Pelé, who scored at 17 in 1958.

Oyarzabal, who turned provider for the opener, then became the finisher as Spain’s pressure continued to overwhelm Saudi Arabia. A defensive error allowed the ball to fall kindly to the Spanish forward, who made no mistake from close range to double La Roja’s advantage.

Lamine Yamal looked electric from the opening whistle, constantly troubling the Saudi defence from the right flank with his movement and creativity. Pic: FIFA/X

Just three minutes later, Oyarzabal struck again. A flowing move involving Marc Cucurella and Dani Olmo created the opening, with Olmo’s header setting up Oyarzabal for a clinical finish as Spain raced into a 3-0 lead before half-time.

The difference between the two sides was clear throughout the opening 45 minutes. Spain’s quick passing, positional rotations and trademark tiki-taka football completely controlled the tempo, while Saudi Arabia struggled to contain the constant movement of La Roja’s attacking players.

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Spain continued their dominance immediately after the break, adding a fourth goal within minutes of the restart. Cucurella’s close-range volley was saved by Mohammed Al-Owais, but the rebound struck Hassan Al-Tambakti and went into his own net, completing a disappointing night for Saudi Arabia’s defence.

With the game effectively decided, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente used the opportunity to manage the workload of his key players ahead of the crucial stages of the tournament. Yamal, Oyarzabal, Pedri and other important players were given valuable rest, while Spain’s squad depth got an opportunity to shine.

This was the response Spain needed after a frustrating start to their World Cup campaign. La Roja looked sharper in attack, composed in midfield and solid defensively, reminding everyone why they are among the favourites to lift the trophy.

A 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia was more than just three points – it was a statement that Spain have arrived at the World Cup.

Beiranvand helps Iran survive Belgium storm

Belgium dominated proceedings but were denied a crucial win as Alireza Beiranvand produced a sensational goalkeeping display to keep Iran’s knockout-stage hopes alive.

The Belgians started brightly, showing attacking intent and putting pressure on Iran early. With Romelu Lukaku leading the line, Belgium looked to exploit the wings with constant crosses, but despite controlling possession and creating chances, they lacked the finishing touch in the final third.

Iran thought they had taken the lead through a brilliant set-piece routine. Captain Ehsan Hajsafi disguised a reverse pass into Mehdi Taremi’s path, and the striker calmly finished past Thibaut Courtois. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, cutting Iran’s celebrations short.

Belgium continued to dominate, but Iran’s compact defensive shape made life difficult for the Belgian attackers. Whenever they did find a way through, Alireza Beiranvand stood tall. Pics: X.com

Belgium continued to dominate, but Iran’s compact defensive shape made life difficult for the Belgian attackers. Whenever they did find a way through, Beiranvand stood tall.

The Iranian goalkeeper produced one of the saves of the match in the second half. Leandro Trossard found Kevin De Bruyne, who delivered a dangerous ball across the box, but Maxim De Cuyper’s close-range effort was denied by a brilliant Beiranvand reaction save.

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Belgium’s hopes took a blow when Julien Ngoy was shown a red card after bringing down Taremi, who was through on goal. The dismissal came at the worst possible time, just as Belgium were piling pressure on Iran’s defence.

The red card added to a remarkable disciplinary trend at the 2026 World Cup, with eight red cards already shown in the group stage, matching the combined total from the 2018 and 2022 editions.

Even with 10 men, Belgium continued to push for a winner, but Beiranvand remained unbeatable, once again denying De Cuyper in the closing stages.

It was a complete defensive performance from Iran, with Beiranvand acting as the final wall between Belgium and victory. Despite creating more chances and controlling the game, Belgium could not find a way past the Iranian defence.

With all three Group G matches ending in draws, the battle for the knockout places remains wide open, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the group stage.

Egypt down New Zealand, first in World Cup

Egypt’s 3-1 victory over New Zealand was the Pharaohs’ first-ever FIFA World Cup win, ending a wait of 92 years since their tournament debut in 1934.

Fixtures for June 23:
France Vs Iraq (2:30 am)
Norway Vs Senegal (5:30 am)
Jordan Vs Algeria (8:30 am)
Portugal Vs Uzbekistan (10:30 pm)