INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Lamine Yamal did not score, but Spain’s 18-year-old winger still drove much of the attack in a 3-0 knockout win over Austria at SoFi Stadium.
Yamal, playing in his first World Cup, finished with six shots and left with the silver player of the match trophy after repeatedly testing Austria’s defense. La Roja also kept its defensive streak intact, having yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
“I didn’t get a goal,” Yamal said, “but I’m very happy we made it through to the next round.”
The sellout crowd of 72,492 was heavily pro-Spain and included Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. Yamal’s 3-year-old half-brother, Keyne, was also there, wrapped in Spain’s colors as the third goal was celebrated.
“It moves me to see my mother and little brother living the life they have always dreamed of,” Yamal said. “My brother is like my son, I’m in love with him.”
Two months ago, Yamal feared he could miss the World Cup after injuring his left hamstring in a Spanish League match for Barcelona. He had one goal in 141 minutes across Spain’s three group matches while Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe drew much of the wider attention.
Yamal said he is feeling closer to his usual level, adding that he is at “100%” and ready for what the coach needs. His workload reflected that progress as he played his most minutes of the tournament before being substituted in the 85th minute.
His best chances came in several waves. David Alaba stopped a left-footed effort just before it crossed the line, Alexander Schlager denied him from close range after Alex Baena’s 25-yard free kick hit the post, and Yamal sent a shot over the crossbar from in front of goal in the 34th minute. He also produced the first shot of the match after carrying the ball nearly the length of the field, though it went straight to Schlager.
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick praised Yamal as one of the biggest talents seen at his age, but said Austria defended him well enough to keep him from scoring.