Yamal announces himself on World Cup with goal as Spain romp to win over Saudi Arabia

Lamine Yamal started and scored the opener for Spain, who returned to near their sparkling best in a thrashing of Saudi Arabia.

Yamal had to share the spotlight with Mikel Oyarzabal, who, after not touching the ball for the first 31 minutes in the shock goalless draw with Cabo Verde, set up the 18-year-old with a fine cross and then scored twice himself before the break.

Both goal scorers were taken off at half-time, with the match effectively won, and only one goal followed after the break, with the unfortunate Hassan Al-Tambakti diverting into his own net after Mohammed Al-Owais had saved Marc Cucurella’s shot.

Most importantly for coach Luis de la Fuente was the manner in which their slick passing around the opposition penalty area befuddled the Saudi defenders, and would be difficult for any side to deal with.

Spain next play Uruguay, who they will be hoping win by less than three goals against Cabo Verde tonight, or La Roja will need victory in their final match of the first round to ensure they qualify as Group H winners.