ENGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Lamine Yamal Looks much more comfortable than the first time world cupEven if Spain’s young superstar doesn’t score, 3-0 knockout victory Over Austria.
The 18-year-old winger is working hard to get back to his best form after suffering a hamstring injury two months ago.
Still, he remained an attacking threat on Thursday, firing six shots through the Austrian defense and clinching the silver Most Valuable Player trophy. La Roja has yet to concede a goal this tournament.
Yamal said, “Even though I didn’t score, I’m very happy to be able to advance to the next round.”
So did the sold-out, mostly pro-Spanish crowd of 72,492 at SoFi Stadium, which included actors Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem.
Yamal’s three-year-old half-brother Kane was also in attendance, celebrating Spain’s third goal while being surrounded by Spanish colors.
“It’s moving to see my mother and brother living the life they always dreamed of,” Yamal said. “My brother is like my son. I love him.”
Two months ago, Yamal injured his left hamstring in a Spanish league game against Barcelona, and there were fears he would miss the tournament completely.
With Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé getting a lot of attention, he scored one goal in just 141 minutes in Spain’s three group games.
“Little by little, I’m starting to feel like I’m regaining myself, being able to make the necessary runs and dribbles and play against defenders,” Yamal said. “I’m 100 percent. I’m ready to do what the coaches want. I just need to rest and continue to take care of myself.”
Yamal made the most appearances at this World Cup so far, before being sent off in the 85th minute.
He had many chances to score, but was denied each time.
He almost scored with his left foot before coming out, but Austria captain David Alaba stopped him just before the ball broke the line.
In stoppage time of the first half, Alex Baena took a 25-yard free kick that hit the goalpost. Austria were unable to clear and the ball went to Yamal near the back post, but his shot from close range was stopped by goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
In the 34th minute of the first half, Yamal stood alone in front of the goal, but his shot went over the crossbar and just missed the target.
Yamal made the first shot of the match, winning the ball near the length of the field, but the ball went directly to Schlager.
“Ramine Yamal is a great talent. He is one of the greatest talents we have seen at his age and we knew it,” said Austrian national team coach Ralf Rangnick. “But I think we defended him very well. We were able to stop him (scoring).”
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