.jpg?w=2400&h=1350&q=80)
FIFA World Cup
The loss means Saudi Arabia must beat Cabo Verde in their final Group H match to stand a chance of progressing to the Round of 32.
Lamine Yamal kickstarted Spain's campaign as he returned to the starting line-up to open the scoring after just 10 minutes, before a Mikel Oyarzabal brace and a Hassan Al Tambakti own goal ensured Luis de la Fuente's side took a big step towards the last 32 following a shock goalless stalemate in their opening group match against Cabo Verde.
Lamine Yamal kickstarted Spain's campaign as he returned to the starting line-up to open the scoring after just 10 minutes, before a Mikel Oyarzabal brace and a Hassan Al Tambakti own goal ensured Luis de la Fuente's side took a big step towards the last 32 following a shock goalless stalemate in their opening group match against Cabo Verde.
Yamal's return was one of four changes in total with Pedro Porro, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena also coming into European champions Spain's starting line-up.
After over 2,500 passes and 50 attempts at goal since their last FIFA World Cup goal, Spain finally found the net and fittingly Yamal made the breakthrough.
Oyarzabal found space in behind the Saudi defence and his low cross picked out the 18-year-old to slot in at the back post.
After over 2,500 passes and 50 attempts at goal since their last FIFA World Cup goal, Spain finally found the net and fittingly Yamal made the breakthrough.
Oyarzabal found space in behind the Saudi defence and his low cross picked out the 18-year-old to slot in at the back post.
.jpg?w=2400&q=80)
Oyarzabal then pounced on Aymeric Laporte's flick in the 21st minute on to give the 2010 FIFA World Cup winners the breathing space they craved.
Just three minutes later, the Real Sociedad forward volleyed home from Dani Olmo's header for his 14th international goal in his last 13 caps.
Oyarzabal was inches away from a first half hat-trick when his audacious effort with the outside of his foot from a narrow angle came back off the crossbar.
Just three minutes later, the Real Sociedad forward volleyed home from Dani Olmo's header for his 14th international goal in his last 13 caps.
Oyarzabal was inches away from a first half hat-trick when his audacious effort with the outside of his foot from a narrow angle came back off the crossbar.
Group H: Spain v Saudi Arabia
.jpg?q=80)
.jpg?q=80)
.jpg?q=80)
.jpg?q=80)
.jpg?q=80)
.jpg?q=80)
.jpg?q=80)
Item 1 of 8
With the job done by half-time, De la Fuente could afford the luxury of replacing Yamal and Oyarzabal at the break.
The changes did not disrupt the waves of Spanish attack towards the Saudi goal, but the fourth also came via a corner.
The changes did not disrupt the waves of Spanish attack towards the Saudi goal, but the fourth also came via a corner.
.jpg?w=2400&q=80)
Cucurella was afforded acres of space to shoot and although his effort was repelled by Mohammed Al Owais, the rebound deflected in off the unfortunate Tambakti.
Spain travel to Guadalajara next for the final group game against two-time winners Uruguay on Friday.
Sources: AFP, FIFA via Getty Images
Spain travel to Guadalajara next for the final group game against two-time winners Uruguay on Friday.
Sources: AFP, FIFA via Getty Images
