The European champions made a clear statement of intent on the world stage, making history in the process with a breathtaking display of attacking football. After a heavily criticised goalless draw against Cape Verde, Spain ripped Saudi Arabia apart 4-0 at the Atlanta Stadium. But while the comprehensive victory earns La Roja vital points in Group H, the fixture will be forever remembered for two remarkable, long-standing tournament records falling inside a magical first-half blitz.
Yamal follows in Pelé’s footsteps
Head coach Luis de la Fuente turned the tables by handing 18-year-old Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal his first ever FIFA World Cup start after he had overcome a late-season hamstring issue. The teenage genius produced a viral global sensation in just ten minutes. Mikel Oyarzabal’s brilliant low cross was met by Yamal, who slid in smoothly at the far post to touch the ball home for a vital breakthrough for Spain.
The goal achieved far more than just settling Spanish nerves – it immediately equalled a historic 58-year-old world record of late Brazilian legend Pelé. The Barcelona winger is only the second player aged 18 or younger to score the opening goal of a FIFA World Cup match after Pelé did it in 1958 against Wales. Yamal’s clinical finish at 18 years and 343 days also saw him become the youngest footballer ever to score in the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.
Oyarzabal’s 25-minute history-making blitz
Yamal stole the early show, but his veteran counterpart Mikel Oyarzabal created a one-of-a-kind piece of tournament history shortly after. The Real Sociedad forward had already delivered the perfect assist for Yamal’s opener in the tenth minute and was soon to change from creator to a clinical finisher.
Oyarzabal doubled the lead in the 21st minute, reacting to a loose ball in the penalty box. Three minutes later he completed a sensational brace in the first half with a flowing, regal Spanish team move. Oyarzabal had scored two goals and an assist in the first 24 minutes, becoming just the second player in the entire history of the FIFA World Cup to have three goal involvements in the first 25 minutes of a game.
The historic first-half carnage absolutely ripped up Saudi manager Georgios Donis’ defensive game plan. Officially crowned early in the second half when full-back Marc Cucurella forced a heavy deflection off Saudi defender Hassan Altambakti for an own goal, the dominant night. Spain, now with four points in the standings, comfortably rolls into two historic individual records safely broken in Georgia, firmly resuming their course towards World Cup glory.
Debayan Bhattacharyya is a seasoned sports journalist and digital media professional, currently serving as the Chief Sub Editor at ITV Digital (NewsX). A true Football-Fanatic Bong, his professional journey began at Zee Media, where he kicked off his career as a Sub-Editor for the sports team at India.com and CricketCountry. His ability to blend insightful analysis with rapid-fire news delivery soon led him to Times Network, where he served as a Senior Copy Editor for Times Now. Before his current role at NewsX, Debayan spent a significant tenure at OneIndia’s MyKhel as a Senior Sub Editor.
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