Lamine Yamal Scores First World Cup Goal, Becomes Seventh Youngest Player to Score Before 19

Atlanta. Lamine Yamal was the talk of the town before the game started, and he continued to be the focus even after the final whistle. The 18-year-old player, who only played 19 minutes in Spain's goalless draw against Cape Verde, returned to Atlanta hoping to start his first World Cup match. Coach Luis de la Fuente claimed that Lamine Yamal's brief appearance was part of a long-term plan as he recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in April. His impact was immediately felt on the field when he was fully fit to play from the start against Saudi Arabia. The atmosphere in the stadium was remarkable even before he touched the ball for the first time. Thousands of fans wore jerseys with his name. Whenever his face appeared on the big screen, the stadium erupted. Spain's young star hadn't even touched the ball, but he had already heated up the game's atmosphere. When he touched the ball, he changed the first half of the game. Spain had promised to play with high morale, fearlessness, and speed. They fulfilled that promise as they defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0, with Yamal at the center of it all. Although the previous game lacked urgency and energy, this performance was vibrant, direct, and full of confidence. His former teammate in Spain, Cesar Azpilicueta, told 'Match of the Day', 'You can give some advice, but when you see a player with so much confidence and freedom, he can create many things that I cannot teach. He knows how to create opportunities, how to beat defenders, and where to receive the ball when he's on the field. From there, he is improving with every game.' Sharp, fearless, and full of confidence, Lamine Yamal energized Spain's attack by easily bypassing defenders. What happens next was almost certain. When the first goal was scored, it was fittingly in his name. Yamal slid to meet a low cross at the back post and found the back of the net, scoring his first World Cup goal. The stadium in Atlanta buzzed with fans celebrating, dancing, and chanting Lamine Yamal's name. The audience had come to see this very superstar. Guillem Balague, speaking to 'Five Live,' said he saw Lamine Yamal looking around as if he had conquered the world when he came off the field. 'Is it arrogance? Or confidence? It's a mix of both,' he said. 'He is the chosen one, and he wants to be that. He is very happy with the role he has been given as a team leader. He once told me that his joy in playing football is seeing the same reaction he used to see when playing five-a-side.' Lamine Yamal became the seventh player in history to score in a World Cup before turning 19. He is the second player to score the first goal of a game at 18 years old or younger. Previously, Brazil's 17-year-old Pelé achieved this feat against Wales in 1958. Wayne Rooney highly praised the teenage player. His comparison to Lionel Messi was natural. Lamine Yamal, who has broken many of Messi's records at Barcelona, has now surpassed him on the world stage. When the Argentine star Messi scored his first World Cup goal in 2006, he was close to his 19th birthday. Spanish star Yamal achieved this feat two weeks younger than Messi. Former England forward Rooney told 'Match of the Day,' 'The reason Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are playing in this World Cup is their passion and dedication. They have done everything correctly. Hopefully, Lamine Yamal can do the same. What really impresses me is that when Messi came into the Barcelona team, there were some top players, and he had chemistry with Ronaldinho. When Lamine Yamal came into the Barcelona and Spain teams, this has become his team; he is the main player.' Rooney added, 'Everyone is looking to him for wins. He was an important part of winning the Euro Cup, and he will have a big role in this World Cup. This is what really impresses me, that he is handling the pressure at such a young age. You hope he can continue to do so for the next 15, 20 years.' Lamine Yamal's magic set the tone for the game, and more goals followed. 'You hope he has the right team around him to help him because he is a global superstar. You want him to be able to continue what he is doing,' Rooney added. Mikel Oyarzabal completed the excellent early momentum by scoring two consecutive goals. With two goals and one assist, he became the second player since 1966 to be directly involved in three goals within the first 25 minutes of a World Cup match. This performance was completely different compared to the previous match against Cape Verde. In that game, Oyarzabal hadn't touched the ball once in the first 30 minutes, making him the first player in World Cup history to do so. This game, however, was different. This time, Spain's dominance was evident on the scoreboard, and they looked like European champions. By halftime, Lamine Yamal's job was done. He was taken off the field as a precaution, with one group stage match against Uruguay remaining. Thomas Frank said, 'Lamine Yamal always wants the ball. While the determination and dedication to play at a high level are one thing, it's also important how he can remain so humble, knowing everyone is calling him a new superstar. How can you remain so humble? That will be the biggest thing.' Spain will continue to manage his fitness carefully, as a fully fit Lamine Yamal can be decisive. The World Cup final will be less than a week away by the time he turns 19. The question is simple: will he be the reason Spain reaches the final?