According to Sport, Yamal remains dissatisfied after the match against Austria, stating directly that he still needs to improve his goals and assists.
Yamal played 85 minutes in this match, maintained a high tempo, and is ready for bigger challenges. However, the game left him with some regrets, as the Austrian goalkeeper saved his shots twice and he was unable to provide assists for his teammates. The 18-year-old says he is "100% fit," but he wants more, hoping to become the standout star of this FIFA World Cup and help Spain reach the final on July 19 in New Jersey.
The Spanish international explained that his serious expression was simply because his attention was already focused on the next round of 16 match, but it was clear that he had more on his mind. Wearing a black hat and holding his trophy, he still did not show the smile that usually accompanies him as he left the mixed zone.
Competitive Gene
For a player with such high expectations of himself, this was never going to be a perfect night. Yamal was the most brilliant player in Los Angeles, in Hollywood, near the Walk of Fame. But in his heart, he felt he could have contributed more. This winning instinct makes him so competitive and drives him to improve match after match.
He does not care who the opponent is in the round of 16. He only wants to keep moving forward toward the ultimate goal of lifting the FIFA World Cup. Before that, he may even win his first Ballon d'Or. Even the prospect of facing France in the semifinals does not deter him. Olise and his teammates will not intimidate him either. He believes he fully deserves to be among the top players, and he truly does.
Pedro Porro
Yamal and Pedro Porro combined very well, and the latter said of the player from Rocafonda: "It's hard to find rhythm when you have just come back from injury, but he's already proving his worth. We will support him when needed. For me, I only focus on what helps him. As the games go by, the whole team can feel his impact, which is important for everyone."
Alongside Yamal, Tottenham player Pedro Porro helped Spain's right flank operate very smoothly. His excellent footwork is an important weapon in Spain's wing attack. The two linked up well, collaborating frequently and constantly sending threatening passes into the penalty area.
When Yamal is at his best, Spain can operate effectively. Although he himself is not satisfied, his contribution has been highly positive, placing him among the leading stars at this FIFA World Cup. Spain is dancing to Yamal's rhythm, and there is no doubt that he is the player regarded by both teammates and opponents as the one to usher in a new era.
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick also admitted as much. His failure to find a way to contain the Spanish winger left him frustrated. No matter how opponents tried to double-team him, Yamal always found solutions through dribbling, feints, or combinations with teammates.
"We all benefited from the space he created," said Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored two goals. He thereby drew level with Fernando Hierro, moving up to sixth on Spain's all-time scoring list. This is another reason why the Spanish team has noticeably accelerated in this FIFA World Cup.
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