Lamine Yamal shows why this could be his World Cup

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Lamine Yamal shows why this could be his World Cup Figure caption, 'He's the main man! ' - Rooney on Lamine YamalByElizabeth ConwaySpanish football reporter at Atlanta StadiumPublished33 minutes agoLamine Yamal was the story before kick-off and is dominating conversation long after the final whistle too. The 18-year-old returned to Atlanta hoping to start his first World Cup match, having been limited to just 19 minutes in Spain's shock goalless draw with Cape Verde.

Luis de la Fuente insisted that cameo was part of a longer-term plan, with Lamine Yamal still carefully managing his recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered in April. Fit enough to start against Saudi Arabia, his impact was immediate. Even before his first touch, the impact he had on the atmosphere was remarkable.

The Details

Thousands of fans wore his name across their backs. Every time his face appeared on the big screen, the stadium roared. Spain's young star had not yet touched the ball, but already lifted the occasion.

When he did, he transformed the first half of the match. Spain had promised greater intent, to play with boldness, pace and fearlessness. They delivered that in a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia, with Lamine Yamal at the centre of it all.

Where their previous outing lacked urgency, this performance was vibrant, direct and full of conviction. "You can give a bit of advice but when you see a player like this with the confidence and freedom, he can create a lot of things that I couldn't teach," his former Spain team-mate Cesar Azpilicueta told Match of the Day. "When he is on the pitch he knows how to create chances, take on defenders and where to get the ball.

What Experts Say

From there, he is growing every single game. " Figure caption, Lamine Yamal scores the opener for SpainSharp, fearless and brimming with confidence, Lamine Yamal drifted past defenders with ease and injected life into Spain's attack. There was a sense of inevitability about what would follow.

When the breakthrough came, it was fittingly his. A low cross flashed across goal and Lamine Yamal arrived at the back post, sliding in to convert and score his first World Cup goal. The Atlanta stadium erupted as fans cheered, danced and chanted Lamine Yamal's name.

This was the superstar they had come to see. Guillem Balague, speaking on 5 Live, said he saw Lamine Yamal walking out looking around like he had just conquered the world. A mixture of both," he said.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.