Lamine Yamal Scores First World Cup Goal in Spain's 4-0 Win

Lamine Yamal scored his first World Cup goal 10 minutes into Spain's 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia on June 21 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The 18-year-old tapped in a cross from Mikel Oyarzabal at the back post. Oyarzabal scored twice in the match. Yamal started the game after coming on as a substitute for the final 19 minutes of Spain's 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.

He was replaced at halftime against Saudi Arabia with the score 3-0. "It's special," Yamal told DAZN. "I've always dreamed about being at a World Cup and being able to score in my first start is a dream. I watched the last World Cup in class at school," he said.

Luis de la Fuente said Yamal could have remained on the field. "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 told reporters. " Yamal told TVE he has a strong relationship with the coach.

" De la Fuente said the criticism Spain received after the Cape Verde match "was unfair" and had "hurt" the team. "When I said they were fired up I was talking about a natural reaction," he said.