Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has added another remarkable milestone to his fast-growing career after becoming the youngest player in Europe to register 10 victories in major international tournaments, surpassing the record previously held by the France captain Kylian Mbappe.The 18-year-old scored in Spain’s 3-0 win over Austria in FIFA World Cup Round of 32, helping La Roja advance to the Round of 16 while continuing his dream debut in football’s biggest tournament. At 18 years and 354 days, Yamal became the youngest European player to finish on the winning side of 10 matches at major tournaments, breaking Mbappe’s previous record by an astonishing five years. The French superstar reached the milestone at 23 years and 355 days, highlighting Yamal’s incredible pace of ascent.Despite being denied a goal against Austria, the Barcelona winger once again proved to be Spain’s most dangerous attacking outlet.
Yamal broke Mbappe’s landmark despite the injury setback
Yamal entered the World Cup under a fitness cloud after suffering a hamstring injury two months ago while playing for Barcelona.His recovery has been gradual, but the teenager is now starting to resemble the sensational winger who took European football by storm.Against Austria, Yamal made six attempts on goal and constantly troubled the opposition defence, earning the Player of the Match award despite failing to get on the scoresheet.“I didn’t get a goal, but I’m very happy that we got through to the next round,” said Yamal after the victory.The youngster also revealed that he is finally back to full health.“Little by little, I’m starting to feel like myself again, making the runs and dribbling I need to and taking on defenders,” he said. “I’m at 100%. I’m ready for what the coach wants. I just need to continue to rest and take care of myself.”Yamal came close to scoring on several occasions, with Austria captain David Alaba clearing an effort off the line, while goalkeeper Alexander Schlager denied him from close range after Alex Baena’s free-kick hit the crossbar.
Spain marched on with another dominant performance
Spain’s victory was built on another complete team performance.Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice, while Pedro Porro scored his first international goal as the European champions comfortably overcame Austria to book a Round of 16 showdown with Portugal to follow. Cristiano RonaldoThe side’s dramatic victory over Croatia.La Roja has now reached the knockout rounds without conceding a single goal in the tournament.Goalkeeper Unai Simon also entered the history books, extending his World Cup shutout streak to 519 minutes, surpassing Italy’s Walter Zenga’s long-standing record of 517 minutes set at the 1990 World Cup.