- Spain defeated Cyprus 3-1 in their penultimate Euro 2024 qualifying match
- Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, 16, opened the scoring with a fine goal
- Southgate’s loyalty to his players is a problem and a weakness It all starts
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal scored a fantastic goal for Spain against Cyprus on Thursday evening, scoring for the second time in just three international matches.
Yamal, who is still just 16, made history in April when he became the youngest player to ever play for the Catalan giants after coming off the bench in a LaLiga clash with Real Betis at the age of 15.
He continues to go from strength to strength and has become a key member of Xavi’s squad, making 17 appearances in all competitions this season.
He was first called up to the Spain squad in August and scored on his international debut against Georgia in a 7–1 Euro 2024 qualifying win, becoming La Roja’s youngest-ever player and goalscorer.
And on Thursday, in what was only his third appearance for Luis de la Fuente’s side, Yamal scored again in a 3-1 win over Cyprus.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, 16, scored a fantastic goal in Spain’s 3-1 win against Cyprus
Yamal – Spain’s youngest ever player and goalscorer – scored twice in three matches in La Roja
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As the ball came to him on the right side of the penalty area, Yamal faked a shot, beating both the goalkeeper and a defender, before coolly slotting home with two more Cypriot defenders on the line.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Joselu then gave Spain a 3-0 lead inside 30 minutes in Limassol, with Cyprus pulling back a late consolation goal through Kostas Pileas.
Despite Spain having already qualified for Euro 2024, the victory could potentially be crucial as La Roja battle it out with Scotland to win their group and secure a top seed position for next summer’s tournament.
However, Steve Clarke’s side struggled to a 2-2 draw against Georgia, meaning Spain are now two points ahead of their rivals with one group match remaining, while they also have a much higher goal difference.
Yamal, a La Masia graduate, is an explosive winger who can play on either side, although he was on the right side of the attack on Thursday and his goal opened the scoring.
He has also provided three assists and scored one goal for Barcelona this season, and has now scored twice in just three caps.
Yamal has quickly become a regular for Barcelona this season despite his young age
The 3-1 win puts Spain in a strong position to beat their qualifying group ahead of Scotland
