Fresh off a masterclass against Austria, the teenage sensation dismisses knockout stage pressure as Spain finds its rhythm and prepares for a potential showdown with football’s elite.
Lamine Yamal says he is beginning to rediscover his best form, after helping Spain ease past Austria 3-0 to book their place in the World Cup last 16.
The Barcelona winger was named Man of the Match for another standout display, as Luis de la Fuente’s side delivered their most convincing performance of the tournament so far.
Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice, with Pedro Porro also on the scoresheet, as Spain cruised past Austria to set up a last-16 meeting with either Portugal or Croatia.
Yamal may not have found the net, but his work on the right wing gave Spain a constant outlet. He carried the ball with purpose, stretched Austria’s defence, and looked sharper in the knockout stage than he had earlier in the tournament.
Asked about his performance after the game, Yamal said: “Little by little, I’m feeling like myself.”
It was the clearest sign yet that Yamal is starting to feel at home on this stage. The teenager has carried huge expectations into the World Cup, not just because of his age but also the level he has already shown for both Barcelona and Spain.
At 18, Yamal has not had everything his own way at this tournament, but this was a reminder of how quickly he can shift the tempo of Spain’s attack. Even without a goal or assist, his movement and willingness to drive forward forced Austria to drop deeper, opening up space around the box.
After being recognised individually, Yamal was quick to point out that the team’s result mattered most.
“I’m happy for the team,” he said.
Spain’s victory owed as much to their control as to their attacking quality. Austria rarely threatened, while De la Fuente’s side kept pushing until the outcome was beyond doubt.
Spain had already produced dominant performances earlier in the tournament, but the Austria result moved them through another knockout step and gave Yamal another night where his rhythm from the right stood out.
Yamal’s confidence was clear when he looked ahead to the next stage of the tournament.
“We’re not afraid of any team,” he said.
It is the kind of message Spain fans will want to hear before the last 16. Either Portugal or Croatia await, both likely to provide a major test for a Spain side hoping for another deep run.
Yamal remains one of the standout stories around this Spain team. His age means every performance feels part of a bigger conversation, but his football is already making its own case.
Spain did not need Yamal to score against Austria. What they needed was his ability to stretch the pitch, beat defenders and keep the attack moving. He delivered, and his words after the match suggested he feels his game is returning to its natural level.
A tougher test awaits in the next round, but Spain are through, Yamal has his first World Cup Man of the Match award, and the teenager’s tournament is heading in the right direction.
