[World Cup] Spain crushes Saudi Arabia 4-0! The Invincible Armada proves its strength with ruthless passing and solid defense
In the clash between Spain and Saudi Arabia on the grand stage of the World Cup, Spain, one of the favorites to win the title, completely controlled the game, overwhelming Saudi Arabia with a 4-0 scoreline and demonstrating their competitive edge.
Looking at the stats for this match, it is clear that while Spain maintained possession and control throughout (67% possession), Saudi Arabia focused on holding firm with a solid 5-4-1 block while looking for sharp counterattacks. We look back at a match where Spain, superior in game control, gave the Asian powerhouse Saudi Arabia no chance and finished them off perfectly.
1. Possession and Passing: Spain's overwhelming game management vs. Saudi Arabia's 5-back
Spain adopted a 4-1-2-3 (4-3-3) formation, while Saudi Arabia used a 5-4-1, leading to intense matchups in every phase of the pitch.
Ball Possession: Spain 67% vs 33% Saudi Arabia
Accurate Passes (Success Rate): Spain 668 (92%) vs 294 (81%) Saudi Arabia
Passes in the Attacking Third (Success Rate): Spain 213 (85%) vs 55 (68%) Saudi Arabia
Touches in the Opponent's Box: Spain 37 vs 2 Saudi Arabia
Spain completely dominated the pitch, recording 67% possession and 668 accurate passes (92% success rate). They sent 213 passes into the attacking third with high precision (85%) and continued to pressure Saudi Arabia with 37 touches in the opponent's box compared to Saudi Arabia's 2. Saudi Arabia sat deep in their own half, countering with vertical thrusts mixed with long balls.
2. Number and Quality of Scoring Chances: xG of "2.30 vs 0.14" shows attacking destructive power and Saudi's struggle
The stats in the final phase of the attack tell the story of how Spain created high-quality scoring chances to pull away, while Saudi Arabia could not capitalize on their few opportunities.
Total Shots: Spain 22 (8 on target) vs 3 (1 on target) Saudi Arabia
Shots in the Penalty Area: Spain 13 vs 0 Saudi Arabia
Big Chances (Missed): Spain 5 (2) vs 0 (0) Saudi Arabia
Expected Goals (xG): Spain 2.30 vs 0.14 Saudi Arabia
xG Open Play: Spain 1.87 vs 0.11 Saudi Arabia
xG Set Pieces: Spain 0.43 vs 0.03 Saudi Arabia
Spain overwhelmed with 22 total shots, and the quality and conversion of their chances were starkly different. While Saudi Arabia had 0 shots in the penalty area and an expected goals (xG) of only 0.14, Spain created 5 big chances. They hit an xG of 2.30, scoring 4 goals and reliably finishing off numerous scoring opportunities.
3. Saudi Arabia's ground game vs. Spain's dominance in the air
As symbolized by their desperate clearances in front of their own goal, the Saudi Arabian defense fought a desperate battle, with high-intensity physical clashes unfolding in every phase.
Duels Won: Spain 29 (44%) vs 37 (56%) Saudi Arabia
Ground Duels Won: Spain 18 (35%) vs 33 (65%) Saudi Arabia
Aerial Duels Won: Spain 11 (73%) vs 4 (27%) Saudi Arabia
Tackles / Interceptions: Spain 10 / 13 vs 15 / 13 Saudi Arabia
Clearances / Goalkeeper Saves: Spain 17 / 1 vs 35 / 5 Saudi Arabia
Spain held an overwhelming advantage in aerial duels (73% win rate), but Saudi Arabia utilized their characteristic toughness to engage in physical battles, winning the ground duels (65% win rate) and total duels. Against Spain's onslaught, they recorded 35 clearances to desperately repel attacks, while also logging 13 interceptions to keep their focus sharp for counterattacks.
4. Young talents who shone, and the heroes of Saudi Arabia
Individual ratings reflect the struggles of the Saudi Arabian players who fought desperately on defense, and the Spanish players who maintained control of the match.
[Spain]
No. 21 Oyarzabal: Rating 9.3 ★
Showed an overwhelming presence on the front line, scoring 2 goals to lead the team to victory. Selected as the Man of the Match for this round with an indisputably otherworldly performance.
No. 19 Lamine Yamal: Rating 8.4
Showed overwhelming drive from the right flank and scored a brilliant goal, adding depth to the attack.
No. 16 Rodri: Rating 8.3
Controlled the game from the base of midfield with overwhelming passing (92% success rate) and served as the starting point for attacks.
No. 14 Laporte: Rating 8.1
Perfectly shut down Saudi Arabia's attacks in the center of the defensive line and also recorded an assist.
[Saudi Arabia]
No. 6 Al-Dawsari: Rating 7.1
In a difficult match where they were on the defensive, he played a lone battle, trying to break through the midfield.
No. 21 Al-Owais: Rating 6.6
Although he conceded 4 goals against Spain's sharp, wave-like attacks, he prevented further goals with 5 goalkeeper saves.
[Editor's Column] This is the style of a champion. Spain dominated, Saudi Arabia cried over finishing
As indicated by 67% possession and 22 shots, it was a 90-minute period where Spain overwhelmed Saudi Arabia with quality from start to finish.
For Spain, it was a perfect game where they created many scoring chances, reliably scored 4 goals, and gave Saudi Arabia no opportunity to counterattack. On the other hand, while Saudi Arabia spent a long time defending tenaciously with a 5-back formation, they were left with major issues to address after failing to create any attacking shape, including not a single shot from inside the penalty area, ultimately bowing to the overwhelming perfection of the Invincible Armada.
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