For a few days, questions followed the Spanish team everywhere.
Had the draw against Cape Verde exposed deep flaws in one of the pre-tournament favourites? Had opponents finally discovered a way to blunt the fluidity that had made Luis de la Fuente’s side one of the most admired teams in international football? Is the pressure starting to appear on a young team that has the expectations of an impatient football nation?
The 4-0 win in Atlanta over Saudi Arabia was a statement from a team that felt it was being judged too quickly after one disappointing game.
“When you are questioned and if you have the courage, you always try to respond to that criticism,” said Spain coach De la Fuente after the match.
«It doesn’t mean that criticism bothers us. But it is unfair to question this team. We have been unbeaten for 33 games. You can have better days, worse days, average days, but it is unfair to question this young generation. They are role models as footballers and always give the best of themselves.»
The coach acknowledged that the team was stung by the criticism coming his way, saying: «No one likes to be criticized. They are hurt in their own way, but it’s good when they respond to criticism.»
Spain’s response was immediate. After struggling to break through Cape Verde’s disciplined defence, they pressed on aggressively, regaining possession higher up the pitch and moving the ball with much greater speed in the second group match.
Mikel Oyarzabal (right, 2 goals, 1 assist) and Lamine Yamal (1 goal) were the standout players for Spain against Saudi Arabia. | Photo credit: AP
Mikel Oyarzabal (right, 2 goals, 1 assist) and Lamine Yamal (1 goal) were the standout players for Spain against Saudi Arabia. | Photo credit: AP
Pedri and Rodri dictated play from midfield, while Dani Olmo’s movement between the lines repeatedly disrupted Saudi Arabia’s defensive shape.
“In the first half, our pressing, ball recovery and how vertical we played were remarkable,” De la Fuente said. “Much better than the previous match.”
The result also confirmed some of the tactical adjustments Spain had made after the Cape Verde standoff. De la Fuente explained that the decision to pair Pedri and Rodri centrally was intended to speed up attacks against a side expected to defend deep.
“Because the opponent played a low block, we needed them to quickly reach the penalty area through Pedri and Dani Olmo,” he said. «We always try to take advantage of the circumstances of the game. It’s like a chess game, and you have to interpret it and use it to your advantage.»
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In the meantime, the heavy defeat brought new criticism for Saudi Arabia. Yet coach Georgios Donis was determined not to let one result define his team and its progress.
“I think the main reason is that we played against an excellent team,” Donis said. “Spain played an excellent match and scored a goal early on, but after that it was difficult because we made a lot of mistakes.”
Donis, who had taken over from Hervé Renard two months before the World Cup, had fielded his side with five defenders and a compact low block, hoping to limit the space available to the Spanish attackers.
But Spain repeatedly found openings on the edge of the penalty area.
Georgios Donis suffered his first major defeat at the World Cup: a damaging 0-4 defeat to European champions Spain. | Photo credit: AP
Georgios Donis suffered his first major defeat at the World Cup: a damaging 0-4 defeat to European champions Spain. | Photo credit: AP
“We played 5-4-1 in a low block,” Donis explained. “The main problem was the same as against Uruguay in the second half, because we failed to stop the balls close to the penalty area.”
The Saudi coach also highlighted the individual brilliance of Spain’s stars, especially Lamine Yamal. “If players have individual qualities like Yamal, they can make a difference,” he said.
As the targets piled up, Saudi Arabia’s confidence waned. “If a match isn’t going well and you quickly concede three goals, you feel insecure,” said the coach. “You then try to keep the team calm and find ways to support your players.”
However, the Greek coach rejected suggestions that a difficult evening would overshadow the work his players have put in to reach the World Cup. “I’m proud of what the players do every day,” he said. “I’m not going to lose that after a bad result.”
Published on June 22, 2026
