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Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia! Yamal’s First World Cup Goal Changes Everything
Four days ago, Spain played a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.
Cape Verde. Ranked 67th in the world. A team most casual fans couldn’t place on a map without Google.
Spain — European champions, unbeaten in 33 games, one of the tournament favourites — went the full 90 minutes without scoring. Without even really threatening. It was one of the more embarrassing results of the opening round, and suddenly everyone had questions. Where’s Yamal? Is Spain overrated? Should we even bother betting on them?
Then Sunday happened.
Yamal Started. Spain Scored in 10 Minutes.
The answer to the Cape Verde performance was simple: start Lamine Yamal from the beginning.
Coach Luis de la Fuente did exactly that against Saudi Arabia, and within 10 minutes, the whole mood shifted. Yamal picked up the ball on the right, drove into the box, and tapped in Oyarzabal’s low cross at the back post. Spain 1-0.
He’s 18. It was his first World Cup start. And he scored like he’d been doing this for years.
For context — Yamal was literally sitting in a school classroom watching the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Three and a half years later, he’s scoring in one. After the final whistle he said: “I watched the last World Cup in class. Being able to score here with my mum and my family in the stands is a dream come true.”
That’s your story. That’s why this kid is different.
Then Oyarzabal Went Absolutely Crazy
If Yamal opened the door, Oyarzabal kicked it off the hinges.
The Real Sociedad striker — who was heavily criticised after the Cape Verde game for barely touching the ball — scored twice in three minutes. 21st minute, 24th minute. Spain were 3-0 up before the first hydration break of the game.
Think about that. Saudi Arabia had one shot in the entire first half. Spain had 15.
It was so one-sided that De la Fuente pulled both Yamal AND Oyarzabal off at halftime. Score already safe, fresh legs for the next game. Smart management.
The fourth came in the 49th minute — a Marc Cucurella shot blocked, rebounded off Saudi defender Hassan Al-Tambakti and into his own net. Spain didn’t even need to try at that point.
Ferran Torres had a late fifth ruled out for offside, but honestly, 4-0 was more than enough to make the point.
What This Means for Group H
Going into the final matchday, Group H looks like this:
- Spain — top, 4 points
- Uruguay — 2nd, 2 points (drew 2-2 with Cape Verde)
- Cape Verde — 3rd, 2 points
- Saudi Arabia — bottom, 1 point
Spain are in a strong position to advance as group winners. Uruguay and Cape Verde will battle it out for second — which is actually a fascinating subplot worth watching.
Saudi Arabia technically aren’t eliminated yet, but they’d need results to go their way. Realistically, their tournament is over.
Should You Be Betting on Spain Now?
Here’s the honest take.
Before this tournament, Spain were one of the most attractive bets — young squad, incredible depth, defending European champions. Then the Cape Verde draw happened and suddenly the odds got more interesting.
Now? That window might be closing fast.
Yamal is fit and firing. Oyarzabal is back in form. The team played with the kind of intensity that only comes when a squad has a point to prove — and De la Fuente said as much after the game: “When your work is being questioned, if you have the courage, you always react.”
The blueprint is clear. When Yamal starts and Spain play their natural game, they’re one of the most dangerous sides in this tournament. The Cape Verde game was the exception. Sunday was the rule.
If you’re looking at outright winner markets or Group H top-finish bets, Spain is the pick. Just know the odds will have moved already.
The Bigger Picture
Spain haven’t gone past the Round of 16 since they won the World Cup in 2010. That’s 16 years of early exits despite having some of the best players in the world.
This squad is different. Younger, hungrier, with Yamal leading the charge. And after Sunday’s performance, it genuinely feels like this could be their year.
Watch the Uruguay vs Spain game on June 26. That’s the real test. If Spain handle Uruguay the same way they handled Saudi Arabia, you’ll have your answer.
How to Bet on Spain at Play666
New to sports betting? Here’s how it works:
- Register on Play666 — Malaysia’s trusted online sports betting platform
- Make your first deposit and claim your welcome bonus
- Head to Sports → FIFA World Cup 2026 → Group H / Outright Markets
- Pick Spain to win the group, advance to the knockout round, or go all the way
Play666 covers World Cup odds for every match and outright market, updated live as the tournament progresses.
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