Spain Beats Saudi Arabia 4-0 as Yamal Scores First World Cup Goal

Lamine Yamal scored his first World Cup goal in the 10th minute as Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 on June 21 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The 18-year-old started the match and tapped in a cross from Mikel Oyarzabal at the back post. Oyarzabal scored twice in the victory.

Spain had drawn 0-0 with Cape Verde in its previous match, with Yamal appearing as a substitute for the final 19 minutes. Yamal was replaced at halftime against Saudi Arabia after the score reached 3-0. "It's special," Yamal told DAZN.

"I've always dreamed about being at a World Cup and being able to score in my first start is a dream. " Coach Luis de la Fuente said Yamal could have played longer but the result was secure. "The next game we could have him for a full match," de la Fuente told reporters.

Yamal said he has a very good relationship with the coach and there is complete trust. De la Fuente added that criticism after the Cape Verde match was unfair and had hurt the team.