Lamine Yamal Aims To Prove Himself In Nations League Final For Spain

‎Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal stated that Sunday’s Nations League final against Portugal presents an opportunity for him to “prove who I am,” following his contribution to Spain’s victory over France in the semi-finals on Thursday.

‎Yamal scored twice and was awarded man of the match in Spain’s 5-4 victory over France in Stuttgart on Thursday, securing their spot in Sunday’s Nations League final against Portugal.

‎Despite Spain’s commanding 5-1 lead, a late French surge threatened their dominance.

‎However, La Roja maintained control until the end, with France managing to score three late goals but ultimately falling short.

‎As they did on their way to winning Euro 2024 in Germany last season, Spain’s success was built on the foundation of wingers Yamal and Nico Williams.

‎Williams scored one goal and provided an assist, earning him man of the match honors in Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final.

‎Thursday’s win advances the 2021 Nations League champions to face Portugal, who previously won the competition in 2019.

‎”It’s a special game, a final against a great team gives us extra motivation,” Yamal told reporters.

‎”This is the kind of game I want to play, to prove who I am.”

‎Still just 17, Yamal will face off against Portugal veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 23 years his senior.

‎”He’s a football legend,” Yamal said.

‎”I, like all the players, have huge respect for Cristiano.

‎”I will do my job, which is to try to win, and that’s it,” he added.

‎Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said fans would see “two super powerful teams” on Sunday, adding “this could be a World Cup final.

‎”We’re playing against one of the greats: Cristiano Ronaldo. Just his name stands out I have limitless admiration for him.

‎”It’s really great to see a player at his age keep playing and be as fit as he is. I admire him very much.”

‎Mikel Merino, another Spanish goalscorer on Thursday, was confident.

‎”It’s not our first final,” he said.

‎”Munich brings us amazing memories from the European Championship.

‎”I’m very happy to be in another final, which is a huge accomplishment, and hopefully we can win it again.”Thursday’s victory puts the 2021 Nations League winners against Portugal, who won the competition in 2019.

‎”It’s a special game, a final against a great team gives us extra motivation,” Yamal told reporters.

‎”This is the kind of game I want to play, to prove who I am.”

‎Still just 17, Yamal will face off against Portugal veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 23 years his senior.

‎”He’s a football legend,” Yamal said.

‎”I, like all the players, have huge respect for Cristiano.

‎”I will do my job, which is to try to win, and that’s it,” he added.

‎Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said fans would see “two super powerful teams” on Sunday, adding “this could be a World Cup final.

‎”We’re playing against one of the greats: Cristiano Ronaldo. Just his name stands out I have limitless admiration for him.

‎”It’s really great to see a player at his age keep playing and be as fit as he is. I admire him very much.”

‎Mikel Merino, another Spanish goalscorer on Thursday, was confident.

‎”It’s not our first final,” he said.

‎”Munich brings us amazing memories from the European Championship.

‎”I’m very happy to be in another final, which is a huge accomplishment, and hopefully we can win it again.”