It will be difficult to erase from the memory of the Spanish fans on June 15, 2024: La Roja beat Luka Modric’s Croatia (3-0) and Lamine Yamal played 86 minutes. Spain’s triumph was memorable, but the presence of Barcelona’s pearl was much more memorable: at 16 years and 338 days old he became the youngest footballer to play a match in the Euro Cup. Left behind was the record of Kacper Kozlowski (Poland, 17 years and 246 days), followed in the table by Jude Bellingham (England, 17 years and 349 days), Jetro Willems (Netherlands, 18 years and 71 days) and Vincenzo Scifo ( Belgium, 18 years and 115 days). “This is a dream, to play in the Euro Cup and to be able to do it at this age,” commented Lamine, who, as if that were not enough, recorded an assist for Carvajal on his record of marks. “It continues to break records, but we have to be cautious. The same one that we have to have with the national team. That is the way, prudence,” said Luis de la Fuente.
Lamine went from a personal record to a shared record. Such a big age difference has never been seen between two footballers in a European Championship: Modric-Yamal (21 years and 307 days). “Very happy for the win. We have gone out to give everything and these three points mark the group stage. The team is very confident, now going for Italy. We continue as before this victory, with the same confidence,” added Lamine. La Roja’s joy was not clouded by concern for Morata. “I knew Fabi was going to see that pass. Then he scored a great goal,” said the forward, who went from joy to alarm: he left the field with discomfort. “Nothing, it was a strong blow, he was straining his muscle and the best thing was to get out. Ready to play against Italy,” Morata reassured the Spanish fans.
“The first thing, thank the people, it is very noticeable that the Spanish support us. It was important to start like this. I have seen the team doing well, we have put pressure on a great team like Croatia. Now, for the second game. Thanks to the Federation for everything they have worked for,” said Morata, the first Spaniard to score in three Euro Cups. The 9th will be able to play against Italy, also Rodri. “I was tired. He had a cramp. Nothing important,” explained the coach.
Tranquility with Lamine, also with Morata and Rodri, and joy for the game. “We played a very complete game. We were forceful and punchy and when we had to defend, we did so against a team of the best in the world,” analyzed De la Fuente.
Carvajal, however, asked for more forcefulness at the back, after La Roja received 16 shots (five on goal). “We do our job, although we have conceded more than we have to if we want to go far,” stressed the Madrid defender. And Fabián, MVP of the game, closed: “We haven’t done anything, we have only won one game. Step by step and we’ll see.” Spain, from Lamine’s record to prudence.
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