Spain star Lamine Yamal said Thursday he was delighted with his team’s performance in their 3-0 win in the World Cup last 32 against Austria — but admitted he would have liked to score. “I was just missing a goal or an assist. But as long as we win and advance to the next round, that’s what matters,” the 18-year-old Barcelona sensation, who was named Man of the Match, told reporters.
Pressed by one reporter on why he seemed glum after a World Cup knockout win, Yamal insisted he was happy inside, even if he didn’t show it. “I really am happy. That match is over, and now we have to think about the next one,” he said. “I’m very grateful for the affection shown to me in every stadium. It helps me step onto the pitch more motivated,” he added.
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal celebrates his goal against Austria in Inglewood, California, on Thursday. PICS/AFP
Yamal, who will turn 19 on July 13, reiterated that his dream is to be a World Cup winner at the final in New Jersey on July 19. “There’s nothing better than the World Cup. When a kid dreams about football, they dream of playing in the World Cup. I want to advance through the rounds and win with Spain,” he said.
Spain scored through Mikel Oyarzabal twice (36th and 89th minute) and Pedro Porro (66th minute) to register a clinical victory. “I’m happy to have helped the team for us to go through another round. It was a complicated match. We knew that it was going to be difficult against a very physical team, but we had a very good day,” Oyarzabal said.
Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente, however, wanted more from his team. “There were situations where we lacked high pressure. You need to keep improving all the time. When you get flattered and believe it, you become weaker. Satisfaction can kill you. The next phase will be increasingly demanding. We have wonderful players, but the focus is to exceed our own expectations,” De la Fuente said.
4No of shots on target for Lamine Yamal against Austria — the joint-most by any player in the match alongside Mikel Oyarzabal
0No of goals conceded by Spain across four matches at the ongoing World Cup
16No of years since Spain won a knockout match at the World Cup — their last win was the 2010 final over Netherlands (1-0)
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