Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has hailed Lamine Yamal in the wake of the team’s 1-0 win over Portugal at World Cup 2026.
A late goal from Mikel Merino sent Spain into the quarter-finals of the competition and a date with Belgium.
Yamal came up against Nuno Mendes during the game, a player he has recently described as his toughest opponent, but saw him depart in the second half due to injury.
De la Fuente says the match was one of the most important games Yamal has ever played and was thrilled with his
performance.
“He played one of the most important matches of his life, one that helped him grow. Nuno’s injury was possibly a consequence of the demands Yamal put on him,” he told reporters.
“He did a spectacular job, he suffered for the team, and he delivered one of the most important performances of his career. And he still has so much more to achieve at this World Cup.”
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