Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente stated that 19-year-old winger Lamine Yamal is on the path to becoming a legend after witnessing his opening goal in a 3-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Czechia on October 3, according to the article. Yamal scored in the sixth minute at the Estadio Nuevo Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo, cutting inside on his left foot to whip a shot into the top corner.
Lamine Yamal leads Europe with nineteen goal contributions
Yamal has recorded 12 goals in his last nine games for club and country, according to the article. His goal against Czechia marked the third consecutive match in which he scored inside the opening six minutes for Spain, following goals in the second minute against England and Croatia earlier in the international window, as reported by the article. With 19 total goal contributions since August 31, the Barcelona winger leads all players from clubs in Europe’s top five leagues in that statistical span, the article noted. De la Fuente reacted to the strike from the sideline by putting both hands on his head and turning to his bench in disbelief, telling a post-match news conference that the teenager never stops surprising the squad.
Coach de la Fuente backs Ballon d'Or candidacy
The player’s recent performances have strengthened his candidacy for the Ballon d’Or award later in the month. “If he was the only Spanish player nominated for the Ballon d’Or, I would say yes, he’s best in the world,” de la Fuente said. The Spain coach added that if Yamal is not considered the single best player, it is only due to competition from his Spanish national teammates. Spain entered the match following a 3-2 victory over England at Wembley and a 4-1 win against Croatia, extending an unbeaten run in 90 minutes that dates back to March 2024.
Rodri scores before halftime substitution of Yamal
Barcelona midfielder Rodri added Spain’s second goal in the 35th minute before receiving the World Cup trophy in a pre-match presentation alongside Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata, according to the article. De la Fuente substituted Yamal at halftime to manage his workload across four matches in ten days, alongside Álex Baena, giving debuts to fullback Iván Fresneda and striker Roberto Fernández. Without Yamal on the pitch, Spain lost continuity, allowing Czechia to narrow the deficit when Jiří Sláma scored in the 70th minute. Czechia’s Ladislav Krejčí received a second yellow card for pulling back Fernández before Mikel Merino sealed the 3-1 win with a late goal, following a disallowed effort by Ryan Naderi.
Questions About Spain and Czechia in Nations League
How does the Group A3 standings look after the match?
Spain moved three points clear at the top of Group A3 with nine points from three wins, while Czechia remained at the bottom of the group without a point after earlier losses to Croatia and England, according to the article.
What comes next for Spain in the international break?
Spain travels to Croatia on October 6 for their final fixture of the current international window before concluding their Group A3 matches against England and Czechia in November, according to the article.
