Yamal: I Don't Understand Why Spain Is Suddenly Being Called a Weak Team

Spain undoubtedly needs Lamine Yamal. He is a pivotal player for the national team, and his absence was keenly felt in the match against Cape Verde when he wasn't in the starting lineup. Luis de la Fuente brought him on in the final minutes to try and inject some life into the game, which ultimately ended in a 0-0 draw. Despite not being in peak physical condition, the Barcelona player showcased flashes of his immense talent.

Lamine himself exuded optimism in an interview with "El País," urging calm: "You won't know who will win until July 19th, yet you want to know today."

The 18-year-old footballer expressed surprise at the pessimism surrounding Spain after their stumble against Cape Verde: "You journalists are always in such a hurry to get your work done. We're only past the first round: Spain has one point, Portugal has one point, Argentina won 3-0, France won 3-1... So what, do you think France and Argentina will reach the final?" he rhetorically asked.

Lamine Yamal insisted it's too early to draw conclusions: "This is only the first round of the World Cup. It's something I don't understand. Instead of enjoying the matches, you want to jump to a quick conclusion. For you, Spain is very weak now, but those who understand know that's not the case. You won't know who will win until July 19th, yet you want to know today," concluded "La Roja's" number 19.