Lamine Yamal scores first World Cup goal as Spain thrash Saudi Arabiapublished at 07:23 BST
07:23 BST
Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia
Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport reporter
Media caption,
Yamal on target as Spain put four past Saudi Arabia
Spain climbed to the top of Group H with their first win of this tournament as Lamine Yamal scored 10 minutes into his first World Cup start to help his side thrash Saudi Arabia.
The Barcelona teenager had been a second-half substitute in Spain’s opening group game against Cape Verde, but he was unable to inspire his side to victory as the 2010 winners laboured to a deeply frustrating goalless draw.
As expected, the 18-year-old was restored to manager Luis de la Fuente’s starting line-up against Saudi Arabia – and he wasted little time in making his mark.
Mikel Oyarzabal’s low cross from the left evaded Saudi Arabia defender Hassan Al Tambakti before being tapped in at the far post by Lamine Yamal, who became only the second player aged 18 or younger – after Pele in 1958 – to open the scoring in a World Cup match.
Reluctant to rest on their laurels, Spain continued to swarm forward and doubled their lead through Oyarzabal, who finished low past goalkeeper Mohammad Al-Owais.
The Real Sociedad forward scored his second just three minutes later, sweeping home Dani Olmo’s flick-on at the far post.
Lamine Yamal and Oyarzabal were both taken off at the interval, but their withdrawals did little to disrupt Spain’s rhythm in the second half.
Al-Owais was equal to Marc Cucurella’s powerful effort three minutes after the restart, only for the ball to rebound off Al Tambakti and into the back of the net to make it 4-0.