· 2 min readIn this Spain vs Saudi Arabia match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
It was a match where Spain came in with a clear obligation to respond. The previous draw had raised doubts, but it had also left the feeling that, with a few adjustments, they could get the job done without much drama. And this time, they settled it early.
The start was strong and dynamic, with quicker ball circulation and, above all, Yamal giving the attack a different dimension. In the 11th minute, that became obvious. Oyarzabal found space on the left, looked up and delivered a perfect low ball towards the far post. Yamal arrived behind the defence and simply had to tap it in. A simple goal, but a very well-worked one.
From that point on, it was almost entirely one-way traffic. Spain had the ball, had territorial control and pushed Saudi Arabia deeper without much difficulty. And just as they were growing in confidence, the second goal arrived.
In the 20th minute, a corner caused chaos inside the box. After several deflections, the ball popped up and Laporte managed to flick a header to keep the move alive. Oyarzabal was in the right place and finished. 2-0.
There was barely time to breathe before the third. In the 24th minute, Spain built well down the right. Porro delivered the cross, Cucurella kept the move alive and Olmo lifted the ball towards the far post. Oyarzabal arrived with quality and finished. Two goals in just a few minutes and the match was effectively over before it had really begun.
The difference was in the way Spain played. More intensity, more movement and more players arriving in goalscoring positions. It also helped that Saudi Arabia never managed to react. Every time they tried to play out, they quickly lost possession. There were one or two isolated moments, such as a good individual move from Al-Dawsari just before half-time, but nothing with any real end product. It was more effort than effectiveness.
The second half almost began with the fourth goal. In the 49th minute, a corner was delivered into the box and the ball dropped at the far post for Cucurella, who struck it while it was still in the air. Al-Owais made the save, but the rebound hit Altambakti on the back and ended up in the net. An unfortunate moment for Saudi Arabia, but one that perfectly reflected the gap between the two sides.
After that goal, the tempo dropped significantly. Spain stopped forcing the issue, began managing the game and circulated possession more calmly. They still created a few situations, but without the same urgency.
Saudi Arabia enjoyed a little more possession after the 80th minute, but remained completely harmless. Possession without progression, without the ability to create genuine danger. They lacked quality and also belief.
Spain still pushed for another goal here and there and even found the net in the 90+2nd minute through a well-timed run from Ferran Torres, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Post-match
A convincing victory for Spain, built on a very strong first-half performance. Yamal brought a different energy and Oyarzabal settled the contest early.
Saudi Arabia never managed to compete and gradually disappeared from the game.
