New Delhi: Spain thumped Saudi Arabia 4-0 at the Atlanta Stadium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, with forward Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a brace and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal netting one. The La Roja number 21 made a dramatic comeback after his performance in the first fixture, where he failed to touch the ball in the first 30 minutes.
The first goal came in the 11th minute after Oyarzabal pierced Saudi Arabia’s defence with a lateral through from the left flank, which was met by an electrifying run from Yamal inside the D-box. Ten minutes later, a failed defensive clearance saw the ball at Oyarzabal, who tucked it inside with his outer left foot.
In the 24th minute, things went from bad to worse for the Green Falcons after a beautifully lofted cross was played back before being headed to Oyarzabal, who poked it in just a metre away from the goal. The fourth one for the European side came from an own goal in the 49th minute.
With this dazzling performance, Oyarzabal became just the second player to score twice and assist once (goal contributions) in the opening 25 minutes. The biggest irony is that both records—the unwanted feat of not touching the ball in the first 30 minutes and the historic achievement of contributing to three goals within the first half-hour—have occurred since 1966.
“We’re so happy to have turned things around. I didn’t have that many touches of the ball in the last game or such a good performance. I wouldn’t say I’m trying to prove myself because I’ve always said that I’ve felt appreciated and valued by the people whose opinion matters most to me, my teammates, the coach and everyone we work with,” Oyarzabal said.
Also read: 15 saves, one historic point—Eloy Room’s FIFA World Cup masterclass stuns Ecuador
‘Spain are flying’
The Spanish striker is just behind Hungary’s László Fazekas, who also had three goal contributions against El Salvador in the first 25 minutes in 1982.
With 23 wins and nine draws, Spain’s unbeaten run now stands at 32 matches—their second-longest streak after the record 35-game run they enjoyed between February 2007 and June 2009.
“Every match is different, even if the game plan is similar,” De la Fuente said. “We analysed the previous match, and we all agreed that we needed more verticality to play deeper, and we saw this, and from minute one we were trying to suffocate the opponent.”
Oyarzabal went on to win the FIFA Man of the Match for Spain against Saudi Arabia. And it was all praises for the hybrid attacker on social media.
“A brace for Spain. Clinical finishing, Spain are flying,” posted one X user.
It’s incredible how Mikel Oyarzabal has evolved—from winger to False 9.
He redefined Spain’s offensive game, and two figures are key in tactical terms.
Another Spain fan talked about how his position change has been crucial for this kind of fixture.
“Imanol Alguacil, his former Real Sociedad coach—switched his position after the serious injury in 2022/2023. And Luis de la Fuente: the coach who insisted on Oyarzabal as False 9 for the Spanish national team,” he had said.
“Spain went from Álvaro Morata—classic profile center-forward at Euro 2024 to Oyarzabal—mobile forward, space creator, and already among the top scorers in this World Cup start,” the user said, adding that Oyarzabal is the backbone of the team.