Spain star Lamine Yamal expressed delight with his team's 3-0 victory over Austria in the World Cup round of 32 on Thursday, but admitted he would have liked to find the back of the net. The 18-year-old Barcelona sensation, named man of the match, told journalists in Los Angeles: 'I was just missing a goal or an assist. But as long as we win and advance to the next round, that's what matters.'
Yamal's Emotional State After the Match
Pressed by a reporter on why he seemed glum after a knockout win, Yamal insisted he was happy inside, even if he did not show it outwardly. 'I really am happy. That match is over, and now we have to think about the next one,' he said. He added, 'I'm very grateful for the affection shown to me in every stadium. It helps me step onto the pitch more motivated.'
Yamal, who will turn 19 on July 13, reiterated his dream of becoming a World Cup winner at the final in New Jersey on July 19. 'There's nothing better than the World Cup. When a kid dreams about football, they dream of playing in the World Cup. I want to advance through the rounds and win with Spain,' he stated. He also declared, 'We aren't afraid of any team. We are Spain. We have to prove it on the pitch.'
A Personal Moment and Defensive Solidity
Yamal briefly broke into a smile when a journalist showed him a video of his three-year-old brother celebrating the victory in the Los Angeles stands. 'It moves me to see my brother, my mother and my friends happy... My brother is like a son to me. I adore him,' he said.
The comfortable win marked Spain's fourth consecutive clean sheet; they have yet to concede a goal in the tournament. Goalkeeper Unai Simon commented, 'Today we came close to perfection from the 20th minute until the end of the match. We have to keep maintaining that level to keep advancing through the stages.'
Looking Ahead to the Round of 16
Asked whether he would prefer to face Portugal or Croatia in the round of 16 in Dallas on Monday, Simon declined to pick. 'Whenever we've played against either Portugal or Spain, they've made things incredibly difficult for us — in general play, in pressing and in set pieces,' he said. 'Both teams have players with spectacular set-piece delivery — I wouldn't want to face either of them,' he admitted. Portugal and Croatia were meeting in the round of 32 later on Thursday.
