Soccer
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia player ratings: Who starred in Spanish bounce-back match?
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Spain silenced critics of their goalless opening draw with a devastating first-half blitz against Saudi Arabia.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and assisted Lamine Yamal's opener as three goals inside 24 minutes ended the contest before half-time, with Hassan Tambakti's own goal completing the 4-0 rout.
Saudi Arabia rarely escaped their own half, with Unai Simón making his first save at 81 minutes as Spain recorded a comprehensive World Cup victory.
DAZN News rates each set of players and our player of the match:
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia Player of the Match
Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain)
Mikel Oyarzabal transformed Spain's tournament outlook with a devastating attacking display. He assisted Lamine Yamal's opener at 10 minutes before scoring twice himself—first from close range at 21' after Laporte's pass, then at the far post at 24' following Dani Olmo's headed assist.
Oyarzabal also struck the post and crossbar when chasing a first-half hat-trick. Withdrawn at half-time with his work comprehensively done, his movement and finishing proved unplayable.
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia Player Ratings
Spain
Unai Simón (6.7): Virtual spectator until saving Al-Hamdan's effort at 81 minutes.
Pedro Porro (7.2): Consistent threat from right-back with overlapping runs and crosses.
Pau Cubarsí (6.9): Solid defensive coverage with calm distribution from the back.
Aymeric Laporte (7.4): Assisted Oyarzabal's first goal and dominated aerial duels throughout.
Marc Cucurella (7.0): Shot deflected in for fourth goal; linked well down left flank.
Rodri (7.9): Orchestrated midfield control with masterful tempo and efficient recovery.
Pedri (7.1): Fluid distribution between the lines before substitution at 70 minutes.
Álex Baena (6.9): Showed attacking intent but lacked decisive product from left side.
Dani Olmo (7.6): Headed assist for third goal and found pockets consistently.
Lamine Yamal (8.6): Opened scoring at 10' and threatened constantly before half-time exit.
Mikel Oyarzabal (9.3): Two goals, one assist, struck post and crossbar chasing hat-trick.
Yéremy Pino (6.4): Limited chances to impact after replacing Yamal at half-time.
Ferran Torres (6.3): Squandered clear chances including one-on-one opportunity at 65 minutes.
Mikel Merino (6.8): Created Torres' best chance and pressed well after entering.
Nico Williams (6.2): Struggled to beat markers and frequently lost possession.
Fabián Ruiz (6.4): Helped maintain midfield control and composure during closing stages.
Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Al-Owais (5.8): Made several saves but overwhelmed by Spain's attacking quality.
Saud Abdulhamid (5.4): Struggled to contain Spain's dominant left flank throughout match.
Abdulelah Al-Amri (5.0): Exposed by Oyarzabal's movement and withdrawn at 60 minutes.
Hassan Tambakti (4.6): Own goal at 49' capped a difficult evening at centre-back.
Ali bin Mohammed bin Ali Lajami (6.1): Standout defender with numerous clearances and blocks throughout.
Moteb Al-Harbi (5.2): Under constant pressure from Yamal and Porro on right side.
Nasser Al-Dawsari (5.2): Unable to exert meaningful influence from central midfield.
Abdullah Al-Khaibari (5.0): Chased shadows against Rodri and Pedri before withdrawal.
Salem Al-Dawsari (5.3): Yellow card at 30' and severely limited by possession deficit.
Musab Al-Juwayr (4.9): Isolated in attack with minimal service before half-time withdrawal.
Firas Al-Buraikan (4.9): Almost no service and unable to get a shot away.
Abdullah Al-Hamdan (5.8): Brightest Saudi attacker; forced Simón's first save at 81 minutes.
Mohamed Kanno (5.1): Yellow card at 60' and failed to disrupt Spain's rhythm.
Alaa Hejji (5.2): Entered at 60' under immediate pressure with limited overall impact.
Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat (5.5): Showed positive intent and helped team enjoy more possession late.
Khalid Al-Ghannam (5.1): Entered at 90' with minimal time to make any impact.
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