In Seville, at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium, where the Spanish national team has not lost for decades, Lamine Yamal once again reminded everyone why he is considered one of the brightest talents in modern football. Just 70 seconds after the opening whistle, the 19-year-old Barcelona winger opened the scoring, and by the final whistle he had added a second goal and an assist in the Nations League match against Croatia — 4:1. This is not just another fireworks display of goals, but a demonstration of how individual brilliance turns into collective strength.
Spain took the field as the reigning world champion, and before the match Rodri carried the trophy across the pitch. The festive atmosphere did not prevent Luis de la Fuente's team from immediately seizing the initiative. Yamal, as in the previous game against England, struck the goal already in the second minute after a combination involving Baena and Fermín López. Croatia responded with a goal from Dion Beljo in the 28rd minute, but the equality lasted only three minutes: Yamal assisted Marc Pubill, and the score became 2:1 again.
The key to Spain's success lies not only in the speed of their attacks, but also in their psychology. Yamal, who is often compared to a future leader, displays rare maturity: he does not chase personal statistics, but uses his skills to strengthen his teammates. His second goal in the 63th minute after a pass from Pedri was the result not only of technique, but also of understanding space — he deceived the goalkeeper and his clubmate Dominik Livaković at the near post. This is already 10 goals for the national team in 35 matches.
De la Fuente's tactics are built on balance: young stars like Yamal and Nico Williams are given freedom, but remain part of a well-oiled system. Croatia, despite changes in the lineup and the presence of experienced players like Perišić, could not withstand the pressing and speed of the Spaniards. The fourth goal in the 89th minute from Williams only underscored the superiority.
According to the coach, Yamal "puts his magic at the service of the team," and that is precisely what makes him special. Unlike many young talents who get lost under the pressure of expectations, he remains humble and focused on the collective. This is especially important now, when Spain has extended its unbeaten run to 40 matches.
Such performances show not only the current form, but also the vector of development of Spanish football: a bet on players capable of combining individual brilliance with discipline. Yamal is already influencing the outcomes of matches, and his evolution from a wunderkind to a system-forming player could determine the national team's successes in the coming years.
