Lamine Yamal, 18, announces himself as a World Cup phenom as Spain crush Saudi Arabia

Lamine Yamal, 18, announced himself on the World Cup stage as Spain routed Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta. In just his first start of the tournament, the Barcelona attacker scored after 10 minutes, helping set Spain on a dominant path that effectively secured a place in the last 32. The article links the turnaround to the context of Spain’s earlier 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, when Yamal only appeared in cameo after recovering from a hamstring injury suffered in April. Against Saudi Arabia, he was among Spain’s most active players in an energetic opening, with chances involving Alex Baena and Dani Olmo. After Mikel Oyarzabal’s quick-fire double, Yamal was denied a second goal by a strong save from Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais. He was substituted at halftime by coach Luis De la Fuente, despite contributing defensively. Now the eighth-youngest World Cup goalscorer at 18 years and 343 days, Yamal became only the second 18-or-younger player to score in a FIFA World Cup match, after Pelé in 1958.