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Saudi critics must be ‘realists’, says Donis after Spain lesson

Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis said he remains “proud” of his players as he called for realism in the wake of a 4-0 World Cup thrashing by Spain on Sunday.

The Arabian Falcons were 3-0 down inside 24 minutes in Atlanta as Lamine Yamal led a La Roja rout on his first World Cup start.

Barcelona star Yamal opened the scoring before Mikel Oyarazbal’s double put the outcome beyond doubt before the mid-half hydration break in the first half.

Hassan al-Tambakti’s second-half own goal rubbed salt in Saudi wounds.

“I’m proud of everything the players do every day, I am not going to lose my pride in the players after a poor result,” said Donis, who only took charge in April.

“I’ve seen games at the World Cup that have ended 5-1 and 6-0. We are here to take the criticism, but I also expect all those that criticise us to be realists as well.”

The Saudis held Uruguay 1-1 in their opening game but there was little evidence that the billions splashed to raise the level of their domestic league on foreign stars has aided the national team.

They do have a chance to make amends against Cape Verde in their final group game, where victory will likely secure passage to the knockout stages for the first time since the 1994 World Cup.

And Donis rejected the suggestion his side had been scared of Spain.

“When a match isn’t going your way and you’ve conceded three quick goals, insecurities start to creep in,” he added.

“It’s obvious we were affected. We’re human, but I wouldn’t call it fear.”

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