Lamin Yamar injury update: Why was Spain star substituted at half-time after scoring against Saudi Arabia? football news
The Spanish winger scored his first World Cup goal to lead his side to a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, but concerns grew when he pulled out at half-time, a decision he later explained had been planned from the start.Lamine Yamar has explained why he was substituted at half-time during Spain’s 4-0 World Cup win over Saudi Arabia as his early exit sparked injury concerns among fans.The 18-year-old Barcelona star was one of Spain’s best players in the opening 45 minutes, scoring his first World Cup goal and helping Luis de la Fuente’s side to a disappointing goalless draw with Cape Verde in their opening Group H match.With Yamal having just returned to the starting lineup after dealing with a hamstring issue, many fans were concerned that the winger would suffer another setback when he exited at halftime.However, Yamal was quick to reassure fans that there were no injury concerns and revealed that substitutions had been arranged before kick-off.
Spain responds after Cape Verde disappointment
Spain entered the game under pressure after drawing 0-0 with Cape Verde in their opening match. Despite arriving as reigning European champions and one of the World Cup favorites, Spain have struggled to find a breakthrough, raising questions about their attacking sharpness and making the match against Saudi Arabia all the more important.De la Fuente responded by bringing Yamar back into the starting lineup, with the teenager immediately providing the spark Spain was missing.The breakthrough came early, with Yamal showing determination to open the scoring at the back post from Mikel Oyarzabal’s cross and score his first career World Cup goal.
Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais fails to stop Spain’s Lamine Yamal’s first goal during the World Cup Group H football match between Spain and Saudi Arabia on Sunday, June 21, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Oyarzabal endured a difficult game against Cape Verde with an impressive brace, while Saudi Arabia’s Hassan Al Tambakti scored an own goal after turning Mark Cucurela’s volley into his own net as Spain won 4-0.The result takes Spain to four points from two games, putting them in a good position to reach the knockout stages ahead of their final group game against Uruguay.
Yamal realizes World Cup dream
As well as the result, the game held huge personal significance for Yamal as it was his first World Cup start and he also scored a goal.“It’s very special, I’ve always dreamed of playing in the World Cup and to be able to score in my first game as a starter is a dream,” Yamal said.“I watched another World Cup in class and to be able to watch the goals here with my mother and family is a dream.”
Spain’s Ramin Yamal celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the World Cup Group H football match between Spain and Saudi Arabia on Sunday, June 21, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
His goal also entered the World Cup record. At 18 years and 343 days, Yamal became the seventh youngest goalscorer in the competition’s history, ahead of only Lionel Messi on the all-time scorer list. Pele remains the youngest goalscorer at 17 years and 239 days old.
why was he stripped
Although Yamal was arguably Spain’s best player in the first half, he was substituted at halftime along with Oyarzabal.The decision surprised many supporters but Yamal confirmed it was purely tactical.“The plan was to go out for half-time and be able to rest, but most importantly help the team,” he explained.With Spain already leading by three goals at half-time, De La Fuente opted to manage the workload of two key attacking players and ensure they remain fresh for the challenges ahead, especially the upcoming match against Uruguay.Yamal also revealed that the Spanish team’s motivation came from the defeat of the first draw.“The first game was not ours, it was different, but we have arrived and we will strive for more.“The draw was a game we knew you had to win and it stung and made us think a lot to finish the game the way we wanted to.”Spain now head into their final group game with confidence, with Yamal in good form and fresh, vital to their hopes of progressing at the 2026 World Cup.
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