Lamine Yamal announced his arrival on the FIFA World Cup stage in style, scoring his first tournament goal to help Spain secure a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia and move to the brink of the knockout rounds.
Making his first start of the tournament, the 18-year-old Barcelona forward needed just 10 minutes to make history. Yamal tapped home Mikel Oyarzabal’s cross at the back post, becoming only the second player aged 18 or younger to score the opening goal in a men’s FIFA World Cup match, joining Brazilian legend Pelé.
The goal also made Yamal the eighth-youngest scorer in men’s World Cup history.
“It’s special,” Yamal told reporters after the match.
“I’ve always dreamed about being at a World Cup and being able to score in my first start. It’s a dream. I watched the last World Cup in class at school. Being here is great. I’m very proud for my mother and my family.” said Yamal, the son of a Moroccan father and Equatorial Guinean mother.
Spain’s emphatic response came just days after criticism followed their frustrating goalless draw with Cape Verde. Ranked 67th in the world, Cape Verde frustrated La Roja throughout the contest, with veteran goalkeeper Vozinha producing a string of saves to preserve a memorable clean sheet.
Yamal, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury, was introduced in the 70th minute against the African side but was unable to inspire a breakthrough.
There were no such problems against Saudi Arabia.
Spain raced into a three-goal lead before halftime, with Yamal playing a key role before being substituted at the break. Head coach Luis de la Fuente later dismissed concerns over the teenager’s fitness, insisting the substitution was purely precautionary.
“He would have played for longer, but considering the result and the match was under control we considered his contribution was enough,” De la Fuente said.
“The next game we could have him for a full match. He’s back and he’s fit.”
Yamal also emphasized the trust he shares with his coach.
“I have a very good relationship with De la Fuente; there is complete trust,” he said. “He asks how I’m doing and how I’m feeling, and I told him I’m ready to play. I’m here for Spain and will always give 100 percent.”
De la Fuente acknowledged that the criticism following the Cape Verde draw had affected his players but said it ultimately fueled their response.
“When I said they were fired up I was talking about a natural reaction,” the Euro 2024-winning coach said.
“Their pride was hurt. The remarks they hear make them react, and that’s good. When your work is being questioned, if you have the courage, you always react and try to respond to the criticism.
“It’s human. It doesn’t mean that the criticism bothers us. It just motivates people to give the best version of themselves.”
The victory puts Spain in a strong position to secure qualification for the Round of 32 ahead of Thursday’s final Group match against Uruguay in Zapopan, Mexico.
Saudi Arabia, who opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay, remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage and will conclude the group phase against Cape Verde. Uruguay and Cape Verde were scheduled to meet later Sunday in the group’s other fixture.
