Truth Radar Times

June 21, 2026 10:12pm

By Surajudeen Hasibunallah

Spain delivered a commanding statement in their pursuit of the FIFA World Cup crown, dismantling Saudi Arabia 4-0 to extend their impressive unbeaten streak to 12 matches.

Manager Luis de la Fuente’s decision to restore 18-year-old Lamine Yamal to the starting lineup paid immediate dividends following a disappointing opening draw against Cape Verde.

Yamal injected instant dynamism into the Spanish attack, opening the scoring inside the first ten minutes by sliding home a pinpoint cross from Mikel Oyarzabal at the far post.

The 18-year-old wonderkid found the net at 18 years and 343 days old, eclipsing Messi’s 2006 milestone by just 14 days.

The European champions capitalized on a shell-shocked Saudi defense just minutes later. The Green Falcons self-imploded during a poorly cleared corner, allowing Oyarzabal to react first and prod the ball home to double the lead.

The contest was effectively put to rest in the 23rd century minute when Oyarzabal struck again, latching onto a Dani Olmo flick-on to make it 3-0 before the first-half drinks break.

The second half brought more of the same Spanish dominance. Shortly after the restart, Marc Cucurella unleashed a fierce strike that Al-Owais managed to save, but the ball ricocheted off Saudi defender Hassan Altambakti for an own goal.

Subsequent substitutions, including the withdrawal of key assets like Yamal and Pedri, naturally slowed Spain’s momentum.
Replacement forward Ferran Torres missed a late opportunity to add a fifth after a neat pass from Moreno, but Spain comfortably controlled the remaining minutes to secure the three points.