Saudi Arabia Suffer Heavy Defeat, Fans Recall Roberto Mancini’s Remarks
Saudi Arabia's heavy defeat to Spain reignites fans' anger and Roberto Mancini's old criticism of the squad's basic flaws.
MADRID — Saudi Arabia Suffer Heavy Defeat, Fans Recall Roberto Mancini's Remarks after Spain hammered the Green Falcons 4-0 in their second Group stage match at the 2026 World Cup on Thursday morning WIB at Metropolitano Stadium. The result left Saudi supporters furious and reopened old arguments about the team’s technical level, tactical discipline and confidence under pressure.
The defeat also hit Saudi Arabia where it hurts most: goal difference. With one group match left against Canada, the margin for error has almost vanished, and the path to the knockout rounds now depends on a big win and favorable results elsewhere.
Spain controlled the match early
Spain dictated the rhythm from the opening whistle, pressing high and forcing Saudi Arabia into rushed decisions in their own half. The Green Falcons never settled. Their build-up play broke down repeatedly, and the midfield struggled to keep possession long enough to create a threat.
Saudi Arabia failed to register a single shot on target. Spain, by contrast, looked calm and sharp in every phase. The hosts won 65 percent of the contested balls in midfield, according to match statistics, while Saudi Arabia’s passing from the back too often ended with lost possession or a stray touch under pressure.
The first goal arrived in the 18th minute through Alvaro Morata, before Nico Williams doubled Spain’s lead in the 34th minute. Dani Olmo made it 3-0 in the 57th minute, and Mikel Oyarzabal rounded off the scoring with a second-half stoppage-time penalty. It was a long night for Saudi Arabia.
And a painful one.
Donis' plan fell apart
Greek coach Georgios Donis tried to tighten the shape after the break by introducing two defensive midfielders, but the changes barely slowed Spain down. Saudi Arabia’s back line kept getting stretched, and the space between defense and midfield grew too large to protect.
That left Spain free to move the ball with ease between the lines. Every time Saudi Arabia tried to step out and close space, Spain found another passing lane. The contrast was stark. Spain looked organised and patient; Saudi Arabia looked hurried and uncertain.
Donis admitted as much after the final whistle. “We apologize to all the supporters. We made many tactical mistakes tonight, and Spain punished every gap we left,” he said at the post-match news conference.
The damage was not limited to the scoreline. Saudi Arabia’s performance raised fresh questions about the team’s preparation, especially after they had shown more resistance in their opening match against Uruguay. Against Spain, that edge disappeared.
Fans revive Mancini’s blunt warning
The backlash on social media was swift, and much of it circled back to former coach Roberto Mancini. Supporters began reposting old comments from defender Ali Al-Bulaihi about the Italian’s hardline approach and his sharp criticism of the squad’s fundamentals.
Al-Bulaihi had previously described Mancini’s treatment in the dressing room as strict and uncompromising. The former Italy boss, who led his country to the Euro 2020 title, did not hide his frustration with Saudi players during his time in charge.
“Mancini even told us directly that we did not understand football and did not know the basic things in this game,” Al-Bulaihi said in an old interview that resurfaced on X after the Spain defeat.
That quote has taken on new life because the problems in Madrid looked familiar. Saudi Arabia’s transition from defense to attack was slow. The final pass was often missing. When Spain pressed, the ball usually went backward, or away, but rarely into danger.
Fans were especially irritated by the lack of urgency after the second goal. The body language on the pitch changed. Heads dropped. The team needed a response and never found one.
| Match Statistics | Spain | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 72% | 28% |
| Total Shots | 19 | 3 |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 0 |
| Passing Accuracy | 91% | 74% |
The numbers explain why the criticism has been so fierce. Spain controlled nearly every metric that mattered, and Saudi Arabia never forced the game into a uncomfortable place. There was no sustained pressure, no real spell of momentum, and no response after conceding early.
For Saudi Arabia, the next match against Canada now carries huge weight. A convincing victory is the bare minimum, but even that may not be enough if the goal difference gap proves too wide. One stat says it all: Saudi Arabia finished the game with 0 shots on target.
