SPAIN forward Lamine Yamal said he was pleased with his team's convincing 3-0 victory over Austria in the World Cup round of 32, despite feeling frustrated at failing to score.
The 18-year-old Barcelona star, who was named Player of the Match, said the only thing missing from his performance was a goal or an assist.
"I just didn't score or provide an assist," AFP Yamal told reporters.
"But as long as we win and reach the next round, that's what matters most."
Asked why he appeared subdued after Spain's knockout victory, Yamal insisted he was happy despite not showing much emotion.
"I am happy. The match is over and now we have to focus on the next one.
"I really appreciate the support I receive in every stadium. It gives me extra motivation every time I step onto the pitch," he said.
Yamal, who will celebrate his 19th birthday on July 13, reiterated that his ultimate ambition is to lift the World Cup trophy with Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
"There is nothing greater than the World Cup.
"When a child dreams of playing football, they dream of playing in the World Cup. I want to keep progressing through every round and win the trophy with Spain.
"We are not afraid of any team. We are Spain and we have to prove that on the pitch," he added.
The young forward also smiled after being shown a video of his three-year-old brother celebrating Spain's victory from the stands.
"It touches my heart to see my brother, my mother and my friends so happy. My brother is like my own son to me. I love him very much," Yamal said.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón described his side's display as close to flawless after the victory, which extended their run to four consecutive World Cup matches without conceding a goal.
"Today we were almost perfect from the 20th minute until the end of the match.
"We need to maintain this level if we want to keep progressing in the tournament," Simón said.
Asked whether he would prefer to face Portugal or Croatia in the round of 16 in Dallas, the goalkeeper declined to choose.
"Whenever we play Portugal or Croatia, they always make things difficult for us, whether through their style of play, their pressing or set pieces.
"Both teams have excellent players in dead-ball situations. To be honest, I don't want to face either of them," he said. - July 3, 2026
.jpeg)
