Spain will be desperate for a win against Saudi Arabia today, after stuttering to a shock draw in their World Cup opener.
On Monday, Spain were held to a surprising 0-0 by Cape Verde, whose heroic goalkeeper denied the European champions time and again, but La Roja would have seen today’s clash with Saudi Arabia as a very winnable game.
“Would have”, that is, until Saudi Arabia snatched a promising 1-1 draw against World Cup stalwarts and former champions Uruguay, with Abdulelah Al-Amri’s goal securing a crucial point and surely encouraging the Gulf team here.
Still, Spain will be heavy favourites to pick up their first win in Group H, having entered the tournament as one of the most-fancied sides, but are they currently too dependent on young star Lamine Yamal?
He entered the tournament with an injury and only featured off the bench against Cape Verde, but could get more of an involvement to boost Spain’s hopes here.
Follow all the action from Group H with our live blog below:
Last time out: Spain held to shock draw by Cape Verde
It may be of scant consolation to Spain that it is far from the first time they entered a World Cup among the favourites and got an immediate and unpleasant surprise. In 2014, as now, they crossed the Atlantic as reigning European champions. Then they were World Cup holders, too. Their tournament started with a 5-1 evisceration by the Netherlands. An era ended.
A dozen years on, Spain at least have a point on the board. But has a draw ever provided a greater shock in the World Cup? If so, not many. Historically, anyway, draws seemed anathema to Americans but if anything can convert the doubters to the beauty of a stalemate it is Spain 0 Cape Verde 0.
Spain boss doesn’t expect Lamine Yamal to play the full game
Manager Luis de la Fuente said he did not expect Lamine Yamal to play the full game against Saudi Arabia, hinting that Spain will have to limit his minutes as he continues to come back from a hamstring injury.
“He is at the point where we have stop him, hold him back,” De La Fuente said. “He has to do the things he has to do at this stage in the process. He enjoys playing so much.
“We see him train and it’s a joy, the way he is, the way he competes, the spirit and sharpness he has. The best news of all is that he is available and in a good moment.”
Lamine Yamal not expected to start Spain’s second World Cup game
Lamine Yamal saw the last 19 minutes of action during Spain’s shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, and was unable to inject creativity into Spain’s attack as they failed to beat the World Cup debutants.
He is not expecting to start against Saudi Arabia as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury suffered a couple of minutes before the tournament. The teenager is also prepared to be patient.
“It’s too soon, it’s unnecessary,” Yamal told RTVE. “I’m in an adaptation process, it’s not the time to play a full match, but I can play as many minutes as the manager wants.”
How to watch Spain v Saudi Arabia and kick-off time
When is Spain v Saudi Arabia?
Spain and Saudi Arabia is at 5pm BST on Sunday 21 June (12pm ET) in Atlanta.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on BBC1 with coverage starting at 4:30pm BST. It can also be live-streamed on BBC iPlayer.
Good afternoon and welcome
Spain return to action at the World Cup and will look to get back to winning ways as they take on Saudi Arabia in Group H.
The European champions were held to a shock 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in their opening game, with star player Lamine Yamal limited to only the final 19 minutes from the bench.
The 18-year-old is not expected to start against Saudi Arabia, who also drew their opening match, 1-1 to Uruguay.
Saudi Arabia, who famously upset Argentina at the last World Cup, are bidding to get out of the group stage for the first time since 1994.
