Lamine Yamal stated that "the World Cup starts now" following Spain's impressive 3-0 win against Austria on July 2, 2026, at SoFi Stadium. Yamal was named the game's MVP as Spain advanced to the knockout stage of the tournament. Forward Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice, contributing to Spain's strong performance, which has reignited hopes for the European champions.
Spain's Journey to the Round of 16
After a challenging group stage, Spain excelled in their round-of-32 match, showcasing their capabilities as one of the pre-tournament favorites. Yamal, who played 85 minutes, expressed his readiness to contribute fully after recovering from injury. "I'm good. Now I'm 100%. I'm ready to play whatever the boss wants," he said.
Oyarzabal's brace and a header from Pedro Porro secured Spain's smooth passage to the next round, emphasizing their determination not to return home early. Yamal highlighted the urgency of the knockout phase, stating, "If you lose, you go home. And we don't want that. None of us want that."
Coach's Praise and Future Challenges
Austria's coach, Ralf Rangnick, commended Spain's performance, noting that Yamal is "one of the biggest talents we've seen at his age." Rangnick remarked, "I dare to say that we didn't only play the European champions, but perhaps the next world champions." This endorsement adds to the pressure on Spain as they move forward in the tournament.
Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, expressed satisfaction with the team's display, stating, "We won, and the image of the team was fantastic." He acknowledged the need for continuous improvement despite the victory, indicating that the team is still evolving. "This team hasn't reached its limit; there's much to do," he added.
Looking Ahead: Next Opponent and Expectations
Spain is set to face either Portugal or Croatia in the round of 16, scheduled for Monday in Dallas. The match is highly anticipated as Spain aims to continue their successful run in the tournament. Fans and analysts will be closely watching how Yamal and his teammates perform as they strive for victory.
- Spain's victory margin: 3-0
- Goals scored by Oyarzabal: 2
- Yamal's total shots: 6 (4 on target)
- Next match location: Dallas
- Upcoming opponent: Portugal or Croatia
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by ESPN Soccer. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
