Spain's star Yamal: I didn't score but victory is very important

Spain's 18-year-old star footballer Lamine Yamal made statements to the press after his team defeated Austria 3-0 in the World Cup round of 32. The Barcelona talent, who marked the match played in Los Angeles and was chosen as the man of the match, stated that he enjoyed his team's performance greatly. However, the young player expressed that he felt a inner bitterness because he could not contribute to the score with a goal or an assist despite the victory. Yamal emphasized in a press conference after the final whistle that although he felt a lack of goal or assist during the match, the team advancing to the next round was the most important factor.

When some journalists asked, with a tone bordering on criticism, why his facial expression was so heavy after the match, Yamal stated that his outer appearance was not very deceptive and that he was actually very happy inside. The young star explained that they had left behind an important World Cup qualifier match and their minds were now entirely on the next match, so they were focusing emotionally on a sporting mindset. Adding about himself, he said that the great interest and love he received from fans in stadiums motivated him to take to the field even more, and that this support was very valuable.

Yamal, who will turn 19 on July 13, reiterated that his dream is to become a superstar and to lift the World Cup with Spain in the final to be held in New Jersey on July 19. Stating that since childhood every footballer's biggest dream has been to play in the World Cup and win this tournament, the young talent expressed that Spain is assertive in this tournament and clearly stated their determination to advance rounds. "We are Spain and we don't fear any team, we must prove this with our game on the pitch," he said, giving a confident message against opponents.

The biggest smile on Yamal's face appeared when a journalist showed him a video of his 3-year-old brother celebrating the victory in the stands of the Los Angeles stadium. Yamal, who said he was very emotional to see the happiness of his brother, mother, and friends and that he was attached to his brother like his own child, explained that this sense of belonging gave him great strength. The comfortable victory against Austria is Spain's fourth match in the tournament, and the team did not even concede a goal against their opponents during this process. Goalkeeper Unai Simon argued that the team played almost perfect football from the 20th minute until the end of the match and that they need to maintain this level.

It was also on the agenda that Spain's next opponent will be Portugal or Croatia in the round of 16 to be played in Dallas, and Simon's views on this matter. Simon admitted that in his previous matches with Portugal or Spain, opponents always made his job very difficult with their general game, stopping presses, and dead ball organizations. He sincerely explained that both teams have players who are very effective and accurate in crosses in set pieces, and therefore they do not want to face either opponent.