Spain's Lamine Yamal has confirmed his status as the next big thing in world football as his wonder goal in the Euro 2024 semi-final against even put him ahead of Brazil icon Pelé.
After three assists earlier at the tournament, Yamal curled into the top left corner in the 21st minute for the important equalizer.
At age 16 years and 362 days he became the youngest scorer ever at the Euros and the World Cup, younger than Swiss Jan Vonlanthen at the Euros and as Pelé at the global event.
Yamal turns 17 on Saturday but the real celebrations could come on Sunday if Spain lift the trophy a record fourth time in Berlin against England or the Netherlands.
A dream come true for Yamal
"I came here to win all the matches so that I could celebrate my birthday here in Germany with all of my team-mates!" Man of the Match Yamal said.
"It’s the dream come true ... I'm thrilled that we are in the final but we still haven't done the most important thing, which is win this."
Looking at his goal, he added: "I was aiming for exactly the top corner where my shot went in and that was a feeling of pure elation. I try not to think too much about what's going on. I just want to enjoy myself and help the team."
The Barcelona forward is the youngest player ever at the Euros, after last year becoming the youngest Spain player and a scorer at 16 years 57 days in a 7-1 victory over Georgia. He made his Barca debut at age 15.
Coach warns that Yamal is not super-human
Coach Luis de La Fuente and team-mates are delighted to have Yamal who has shown brightly in Spain's run to become the first team to win six matches in a row at one Euros.
"He looks like a much more experienced player. I'm happy he's in our team and I hope we can enjoy him for years to come," De La Fuente said.
"We have to help him by keeping his feet on the ground and developing him in the best way. That's about calm and tranquillity. In Ancient Rome, when they talked about Caesar they would say: 'Remember he's mortal!'"
Defender Nacho said: "Lamine's goal, for a guy of 16, was incredible!" Dani Olmo, who scored the winner, agreed: "Lamine scored an unbelievable goal."
Another great team effort
Spain fought back well after falling behind early from Randal Kolo Muani, showing again why they are the best team at the tournament, and have scored the most goals with a tally of now 13, and only three conceded.
"I have to keep my faith in this group of players. They always work for the common good. They're very generous with their work rate. It's just another sign that this is an insatiable team," De La Fuente said.
"I'm grateful for being able to lead 26 geniuses on the pitch. We're fortunate to have a very young Spanish team with a lot of presence and future."
Cucurella jeered
The only damper on the night was that defender Marc Cucurella was jeered every time he had the ball, likely by the German fans in the Munnich stadium and connection with his handball in the quarter-final against the hosts which did not lead to a penalty.
Kicker sports magazine named this behaviour "Embarrassing, silly, contrary to the idea of fair play" and "not worthy of a good host."
The team can still improve in final
One final hurdle now remains, and the team is determined to add the trophy to those from 1964, 2008 and 2012.
"We are happy but it's a controlled happiness. We have only achieved half of what we're here for – we haven't won anything yet. It's time to rest, celebrate and then we'll see you in Berlin," Nacho said.
De la Fuente warned the Dutch and English that his side has not peaked yet.
"I'm sure the final will be totally different, against opponents who will demand the best from us. "Even though it might sound difficult, there is room for improvement," he said.
“I know [my players] can give much more and be even better, and I'm pretty sure we will. Our idea of football is based on our self-assurance. We want to play to our strengths."
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