Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old forward, scored 10 minutes into his first start at a FIFA World Cup, leading Spain to a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on Sunday. Yamal's opening goal, a low cross touched home at the far post, made him the eighth-youngest scorer in World Cup history. This early goal helped settle Spanish nerves after the European champion had been held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in its initial match.
Yamal reflected on the team's performance, stating, “The first game wasn’t really us, it was different, but now we’ve arrived and we’re going for more.” He also shared his personal achievement, saying, “I’ve always dreamed of being at a World Cup, and being able to score in my first match as a starter is a dream,” and added, “I watched the last World Cup from a classroom so being able to score here with my mum and my family in the stands is a dream come true.”
Yamal's Impact and Spain's Dominance
The Barcelona winger, already considered a top player, contributed to Spain's European Championship win in the second year of that event, despite being only 16 years old at its commencement. Despite pre-tournament questions regarding his fitness after a hamstring injury, Yamal, who was a second-half substitute against Cape Verde, started against Saudi Arabia. He repeatedly penetrated the Saudi defense before converting Mikel Oyarzabal’s cross for the opening goal.
Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis acknowledged Yamal's skill, stating, “When there are players with individual attributes in this game that can work (beat opponents) one-on-one, they can make a difference.” Donis further commented, “This is a player that makes a difference all the time in Spain and I think the better the physical condition, the more time he has, he’ll help his team even more.”
The Atlanta Stadium, filled predominantly with Spain fans, erupted in cheers for Yamal during the warm-up and again when he celebrated his goal by dropping to his knees, praying, and kissing the turf. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed satisfaction with Yamal's impact, especially after facing numerous questions about the player's readiness to start, which intensified following Spain's goalless draw against Cape Verde.
Goals and Team Performance
Spain has struggled to advance beyond the round of 16 since lifting the World Cup in the 16th year of that event, securing only three wins during that period. Yamal’s opener against Saudi Arabia initiated a series of first-half goals. Mikel Oyarzabal, who had faced criticism for his limited involvement in the first 30 minutes against Cape Verde, not only assisted Yamal’s goal but also scored two close-range strikes in the 21st and 24th minutes. Spain’s commanding lead allowed de la Fuente to substitute both Yamal and Oyarzabal at halftime.
Within four minutes of the second half, Spain further extended its lead when Marc Cucurella’s shot deflected off Hassan Altambakti, resulting in an own goal. Coach de la Fuente defended his team, stating, “It’s crazy to question this team,” and added, “You can have better days, worse days, normal days, but questioning, doubting this generation of very young footballers, with a bright future, I think it’s unfair.” He concluded by expressing pride, “I love that I have the honor to lead this group of footballers, this group of players who are a role model for many people in football and for many athletes and people loving this sport.”