FIFA World Cup 2026: Spanish armada makes a statement with big win

For a few days, questions had followed the Spanish team everywhere.

Had the draw against Cape Verde exposed deep-lying 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? Was the pressure beginning to tell on a young squad carrying the expectations of an impatient football nation?

The 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia here on Sunday was a statement from a squad that felt it had been judged too quickly after one disappointing game.

“When you are being questioned and if you have the courage, you always try to respond to that criticism,” de la Fuente said 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, always giving their best.”

Acknowledging that the team had been stung by the criticism that came its way, the coach said: “No one enjoys criticism. They were hurt in their way, but it is good when they react to criticism.”

Spain’s reaction was immediate. After struggling to break down Cape Verde’s disciplined defence, it pressed aggressively, recovered possession higher up the pitch and moved the ball with far greater speed in its second Group H game. Pedri and Rodri dictated play from midfield while the movement of Dani Olmo between the lines repeatedly unsettled Saudi Arabia’s defensive shape.

“In the first half our pressing, ball recovery and how vertical we played was remarkable,” de la Fuente said. “Much better than the last game.”

The result also vindicated some of the tactical adjustments Spain made after the Cape Verde stalemate. De la Fuente explained that the decision to pair Pedri and Rodri centrally was designed to accelerate attacks against a side expected to defend deep.

“As the opponent was playing a low block, we needed them to reach the box quickly through Pedri and Olmo,” he said. “We always try to use the circumstances of the game. It is like a chess game, and you need to interpret it and use it to your advantage.”

For the Green Falcons, meanwhile, the heavy defeat brought fresh scrutiny. Yet coach Georgios Donis was determined not to allow one result to define his team or its progress.

“I believe the key reason is that we played against an excellent team,” Donis said. “Spain had an excellent game and scored an early goal and then it was difficult as we made a lot of mistakes.”

Donis, who had taken over from Harve Renard two months before the World Cup, had set his side up with five defenders and a compact low block, hoping to restrict the space available to Spain’s attackers. But, Spain repeatedly found openings around the edge of the penalty area.

“We played with 5-4-1 in a low block,” Donis explained. “The greatest issue was the same as against Uruguay in the second half as we failed to stop the balls close to the penalty box.”

The Saudi coach also pointed to the individual brilliance of Spain’s stars, particularly Lamine Yamal. “When players have individual traits like Yamal they can make the difference.”

As the goals mounted, Saudi Arabia’s confidence drained. “When a game is not going well and when you concede three goals fast you feel insecure,” the coach said. “You then try to keep the team calm and find ways to support your players.”

The Greek coach, however, rejected suggestions that one difficult evening should overshadow the work his players have done to reach the World Cup. “I am proud of what the players do every day,” he said. “I am not going to lose that after a poor result”.

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