Lamine Yamal
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Could Start, full 90 unlikely
Yamal is not yet fit to play 90 minutes but could start or see increased minutes, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said when asked about the possibility of him starting, per El Correo: "Yes, but not to play for 90 minutes yet. We'll see if we're more interested in him starting the match or coming on during it. We'll assess how he's doing. He's getting better every day, he's already at a level, with a lot of desire to show the world his football potential and ours more. And we'll see, I insist, if we're more interested in him starting or coming on later during another moment of the match."
Analysis: Coach Luis de la Fuente had mapped out a careful return to action for Yamal with the plan to build his minutes steadily but the draw against Cape Verde has complicated that thinking. Spain struggled to break down a low defensive block without him and when Yamal came on the difference was immediately visible as his directness and ability to unsettle defenders stood out. That kind of impact could put pressure on the coach to consider starting him sooner than intended. It remains unclear whether He will alter his approach but a full 90 minutes looks off the table regardless.
Makes World Cup debut
Yamal generated two shots (zero on goal), seven crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Monday's 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.
Analysis: Yamal, who has not played in any match since April 22 due to a hamstring injury, was an option off the bench Monday. Manager Luis de la Fuente likely would have wanted to keep him off the field in what was expected to be an easy victory, but with Spain's attack struggling to find a winner, Yamal subbed onto the pitch in the 71st minute to make his World Cup debut. He did not look hampered by his injury at all, and Spain's attack looked much more threatening once his pace and skill was on the field. Despite his seven crosses and two shot attempts, he still wasn't able to help find a winner. It's unclear if Yamal will now return to the starting XI Sunday versus Saudi Arabia, but a victory in that match is now even more important after dropping points Monday, so Yamal will likely be involved one way or another.
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