Donis urges Saudi critics to be realistic after learning experience vs. Spain

Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis called for perspective after his team were swept aside 4‑0 by Spain in their second World Cup outing. La Roja struck three times in the opening 24 minutes in Atlanta, with Lamine Yamal’s early finish followed by a rapid Mikel Oyarzabal double that effectively settled the contest before halftime.

A second‑half own goal from Hassan Al‑Tambakti deepened the margin, yet Donis insisted the result would not shake his pride in a squad he inherited only in April. He urged critics to remain realistic, noting that heavy scorelines are not uncommon at World Cups. Saudi Arabia had opened with a promising 1‑1 draw against Uruguay, but the gulf in quality was evident against Spain despite major investment in the domestic league. A decisive chance remains: victory over Cape Verde in their final Group H match would likely send the Saudis into the knockout rounds for the first time since 1994.