Spain delivered a resounding riposte to mounting criticism with a 4-0 dismantling of Saudi Arabia at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, seizing control of World Cup Group H after a nervy opening round. Lamine Yamal, thrust into the starting lineup, opened the scoring before Mikel Oyarzabal’s brace and a Marc Cucurella strike sealed a victory that could have been heavier had Ferran Torres’s late effort not been ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

The performance was a world away from the ponderous display that saw Luis de la Fuente’s side held to a goalless draw by tournament debutants Cape Verde five days earlier. De la Fuente, who had acknowledged in the buildup that “criticism brings motivation”, overhauled his attack: Yamal and Álex Baena were handed starts, while Dani Olmo was restored to midfield. The changes brought immediate urgency. Spain pressed high, moved the ball with far greater tempo, and created a stream of chances that the overmatched Saudi defense could not repel.

The result lifts Spain to four points, at least temporarily top of a group that began the day in a four-way tie on one point apiece. Saudi Arabia, who had impressed in a 1-1 draw with Uruguay, remain on a single point and must now beat Cape Verde in their final group match to have any hope of progressing. The focus now shifts to Uruguay’s evening clash with Cape Verde in Miami, where Marcelo Bielsa’s side need maximum points to avoid being cut adrift ahead of their final-day meeting with Spain.

Elsewhere, the parallel drama in Group G mirrored the morning’s tension. Belgium and Iran kicked off in Los Angeles knowing that a win was essential after both drew their openers. Egypt and New Zealand, also locked on one point, were due to meet later in Vancouver. The day’s slate of four matches across two groups threatened to reshuffle the crowded standings, but it was Spain who first delivered the statement of intent that the tournament’s second round of group matches demanded.