Saudi World Cup progress in balance after heavy loss to Spain

DUBAi: European champions Spain comprehensively beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 at Atlanta Stadium on Sunday night to leave the Green Falcons’ hopes of progress to the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup hanging in the balance.

The result leaves Spain top of Group H with four points while Saudi are stuck on one point in third place. They will need a positive result in their last match if they are to get out of the group stages.

Spain had opted to start with Lamine Yamal after the 18-year-old superstar had started the opening match against Cape Verde on the bench. It was decision that almost paid immediate dividends as he went about attacking the left side of the Saudi defence from the start. A dangerous cross in the opening moments almost caused panic in the Green Falcons defence but was cleared to safety. A shot after 4 minutes was high and wide.

Saudi’s early game plan was clear, with almost two banks of five in front of goalkeeper Mohammed Al- Owais, inviting the Spanish team to break them down while hoping to retaliate on the break. It was an understandable policy considering the European Champions had failed to breach Cape Verde’s packed defence in Match Day 1.

Yamal’s big moment arrived on 11 minutes, tapping in a Mikel Oyarzabal cross from close range to give Spain the early lead they desperately craved. Saudi’s defending, however, left a lot to be desired.

Two minute later, Al-Owais stopped a second Spanish goal in quick succession by saving at Oyarzabal’s feet. After 15 minutes, Saudi’s front two of Feras Al-Buraikan and Salem Al-Dawsari had barely featured in the game.

Oyarzabal, who had not toucher the ball in the first half hour against Cape Verde, was much livelier here, and a long range shot after 17 minutes