Yamal explains his role in Spain's World Cup-winning goal

Lamine Yamal has detailed the thinking behind his part in Spain's winning goal against Argentina in the World Cup final, explaining how he used earlier encounters with the defence to create space for a teammate. The 19-year-old Barcelona winger gave the account in an interview with the Guardian's Sid Lowe published on Saturday.

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Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring after Nico Williams headed back Pedro Porro's cross. Yamal told the Guardian he had noticed Alexis Mac Allister repeatedly moving across to help the full-back when he received possession. During the decisive move, he said, he deliberately carried the ball more slowly, allowing Mac Allister to approach and Porro to arrive behind him before passing back.

Yamal also described Spain's confidence after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in second-half stoppage time with the match still goalless. His recollection was that the players felt Argentina would struggle to score and that Spain could eventually break through against 10 men. He said he enjoyed the final rather than spending its closing stages waiting anxiously for the whistle.

The victory added a World Cup title to the European Championship he had already won with Spain. Yamal turned 17 the day before the Euro 2024 final and was 19 when Spain lifted the World Cup. In the interview, he said his understanding of those achievements had developed since his first major international tournament, while stressing that he wanted further success with both Spain and Barcelona.

Explaining his playing style, Yamal credited Barcelona's academy with improving his control and tactical understanding, while attributing his willingness to take on defenders to playing in his neighbourhood. He also described studying Neymar's changes of direction and trying to prevent opponents from predicting his next move, rather than following a fixed pattern whenever he received the ball.

Away from match tactics, Yamal distinguished the pressure of football from the responsibility he feels towards his family. He recalled the financial difficulties his parents faced while supporting him and said providing for them and his younger brother remained central to his motivation. On the pitch, he emphasised enjoyment, dribbling and helping teammates score.