Spain gains redemption, Cape Verde scores another shocker

LOS ANGELES – Spain got their World Cup campaign back on track with a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia on Sunday as debutants Cape Verde conjured another memorable performance to snatch a draw with Uruguay.

European champions Spain had been determined to bounce back after a shock 0-0 draw with lowly Cape Verde in their opening game last week, when their much-vaunted attack drew a blank.

But with teenaged starlet Lamine Yamal making his first start in two months since recovering from a hamstring problem, Spain launched an early onslaught that left the Saudis reeling.

Yamal opened the scoring before Mikel Oyarzabal scored a quickfire brace to leave Spain 3-0 up after just 24 minutes.

Spain bagged their fourth goal on 49 minutes, when Marc Cucurella’s shot was saved by Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed al-Owais only to bounce off defender Hassan al-Tambakti into the net.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said his squad had been fuelled by criticism of their opening performance.

“When someone questions your work, it is only human that anyone with courage and pride reacts to prove people wrong,” said De la Fuente.

The win leaves Spain top of Group H with four points after two matches.

Cape Verde meanwhile followed up their draw with Spain by grabbing another point in an entertaining 2-2 draw with Uruguay in Miami.

Cape Verde coach Bubista had promised before the game that his team would play “without fear” against the South Americans.

And the men from the tiny Atlantic Ocean archipelago proved as good as their word, taking the lead with a brilliant Kevin Pina free-kick after 21 minutes.