Lamine Yamal shows why this could be his World Cup
The 18-year-old scored his first World Cup goal, leading Spain to a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia. His energy and confidence transformed the team after a disappointing draw with Cape Verde.
Lamine Yamal returned to Atlanta hoping to start his first World Cup match, having been limited to just 19 minutes in Spain's goalless draw with Cape Verde. Coach Luis de la Fuente said that was part of a long-term plan, as Yamal is still recovering from injury.
Fit enough to start against Saudi Arabia, his impact was immediate. Even before his first touch, the atmosphere lifted – thousands of fans wore his name, and the stadium roared when his face appeared on the big screen.
On the pitch, Yamal drifted past defenders with ease, injecting life into Spain's attack. The breakthrough came when he slid in to convert a low cross for his first World Cup goal. The stadium erupted as fans celebrated.
Yamal became the seventh player in history to score at a World Cup before turning 19, and only the second aged 18 or younger to open the scoring – the first was Pelé in 1958.
Former Spain teammate Cesar Azpilicueta praised his confidence and freedom. Wayne Rooney compared him to Messi and Ronaldo, noting his ability to handle pressure at such a young age.
Yamal was substituted at half-time as a precaution, but Spain continued to dominate. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice, becoming only the second player since 1966 to be involved in three goals within 25 minutes.
Spain now look like true European champions, and with a fit Yamal, they could be serious contenders for the title.
