Spain finished the Group stages with three wins out of three as with a changed side they easily held off the challenge of a weak Saudi Arabia side. For Spain it seems them clinch a place in the next round to face the runner up in Group H but for the Asian side it is another tail of woe as their interest in the competition ends with just one point under their belt.
Already qualified for the next round after wins over the Ukraine and Tunisia, Spain changed several of their starting lineup for this game to ensure all players were ready for the battle ahead. Saudi Arabia were simply looking to obtain some pride after a World Cup campaign which had seen them score just two goals in a draw with Tunisia before being humiliated by Ukraine 4-0.
The game was understandably played at an exhibition pace as neither side was in any hurry to break the deadlock as the heat played a factor in the first period. It took around half an hour for either side to make a genuine chance and it was Spain who had enjoyed a lot of ball possession who were the dominant side. Albelda unleashed a fierce drive but the Saudi goalkeeper was equal to it as he palmed the ball around the post for a corner.
The Saudi goalkeeper was easily the busier of the first half as he was again forced into a save minutes later when Joaquin weaved his way through three or four flailing legs before unleashing a curling shot towards goal. The swerving ball unnerved the keeper a little but getting an unsure palm to hit he was able to tip over the cross bar to make his second excellent save of the match.
Spain by now were becoming dominant and they applied the pressure even more five minutes before half time as a free kick from the left came into the box to be met by the head of Juanito whose accurate header was beyond Mabrouk Zaid before he could react.
It seemed to be the beginning of an impressive victory as halftime approached but having been beaten once the keeper was not made to sweat again in the first period.
The second half was one way traffic as Spain knocked the ball about in the midfield for fun and on several occasions could have been accused of over playing. As early as the second minute of the half Spain threatened through Xavi after a pass from Cesc Fabregas but his strike was weak and easily saved this time by Zaid.
Saudi Arabia were once again kept to just a goals deficit by their keeper five minutes later as he some how was able to get a fingertip to a drive from Lopez which came through a crowded penalty area towards goal. Good build up play once more set up the move for Spain who were still pressing for goals despite their ability to turn it up a gear if necessary.
Two minutes later it was Canizares who for the first time was forced into a save after a long range shot but the momentum did not last long as Spain immediately created another chance after another excellent run from Joaquin forced yet another save from the goalkeeper.
The game finished with a whimper as both sides settled for what they already had, it wasn’t much of an encounter but the one sided nature of the game didn't stop it from being an exciting match.
Already qualified for the next round after wins over the Ukraine and Tunisia, Spain changed several of their starting lineup for this game to ensure all players were ready for the battle ahead. Saudi Arabia were simply looking to obtain some pride after a World Cup campaign which had seen them score just two goals in a draw with Tunisia before being humiliated by Ukraine 4-0.
The game was understandably played at an exhibition pace as neither side was in any hurry to break the deadlock as the heat played a factor in the first period. It took around half an hour for either side to make a genuine chance and it was Spain who had enjoyed a lot of ball possession who were the dominant side. Albelda unleashed a fierce drive but the Saudi goalkeeper was equal to it as he palmed the ball around the post for a corner.
The Saudi goalkeeper was easily the busier of the first half as he was again forced into a save minutes later when Joaquin weaved his way through three or four flailing legs before unleashing a curling shot towards goal. The swerving ball unnerved the keeper a little but getting an unsure palm to hit he was able to tip over the cross bar to make his second excellent save of the match.
Spain by now were becoming dominant and they applied the pressure even more five minutes before half time as a free kick from the left came into the box to be met by the head of Juanito whose accurate header was beyond Mabrouk Zaid before he could react.
It seemed to be the beginning of an impressive victory as halftime approached but having been beaten once the keeper was not made to sweat again in the first period.
The second half was one way traffic as Spain knocked the ball about in the midfield for fun and on several occasions could have been accused of over playing. As early as the second minute of the half Spain threatened through Xavi after a pass from Cesc Fabregas but his strike was weak and easily saved this time by Zaid.
Saudi Arabia were once again kept to just a goals deficit by their keeper five minutes later as he some how was able to get a fingertip to a drive from Lopez which came through a crowded penalty area towards goal. Good build up play once more set up the move for Spain who were still pressing for goals despite their ability to turn it up a gear if necessary.
Two minutes later it was Canizares who for the first time was forced into a save after a long range shot but the momentum did not last long as Spain immediately created another chance after another excellent run from Joaquin forced yet another save from the goalkeeper.
The game finished with a whimper as both sides settled for what they already had, it wasn’t much of an encounter but the one sided nature of the game didn't stop it from being an exciting match.