Yamal shows why this could be his World Cup

Yamal shows why this could be his World CupImage source, ReutersImage caption, Lamine Yamal scored his first World Cup goal on his first start in the competitionByElizabeth ConwaySpanish football reporter at Atlanta StadiumPublished1 minute agoCommentsLamine 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 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.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 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. From there, he is growing every single game."To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, Yamal scores the opener for SpainSharp, fearless and brimming with confidence, Lamine Yamal drifted past defenders with...