Leman Yamal, who played a major role in leading Spain to the finals of the European Championship 2024, celebrates his 17th birthday today (Saturday).
At the age of 16, once morest France in the semi-finals of Europe’s mega football tournament young Goal-scorer Yamal is at the height of fame these days and is talked regarding everywhere.
He will turn 17 on Sunday, a day before the final once morest England in Berlin.
Yamal, who was named man of the match once morest France in the semi-final, says he just plays to win, win and win. ‘I will celebrate my birthday in Germany with my team.’
In Munich, Germany white Yamal scored his team’s first goal during the semi-final match between France and Germany.
He beat French goalkeeper Mike Mignon from 25 yards into the left corner to score in the 21st minute of the first half.
“I don’t know if it’s the best goal of the tournament or not, but it’s the most special goal for me because it’s my first goal with the team in the European Championship,” he said.
Yamal was 16 years and 362 days old when he scored his goal once morest France.
Previously, Switzerland’s Johan Vanlanthan (18 years, 141 days) became the youngest goalscorer at a European Championship once morest France at Euro 2004.
Yamal said that he is very happy to reach the final. ‘Now comes the most important part – winning the title. We were going through a difficult period following not expecting to give up so quickly. I just took the ball and wanted to put it there.
‘I try not to think too much regarding it and help the team and if it goes my way, I’m happy (for the goal) and for the win.’
Yamal came into Euro 2024 with the record of ‘youngest player’ and has inevitably set more records.
He became the youngest player to appear at the men’s Euros, when he started Spain’s opening victory over Croatia.
The Barcelona youth was already the youngest player to debut and score in the Spanish league at the age of 15.
Also the youngest player to start and score for Spain in the Champions League.
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“We saw the genius of a great player that we all know and we have to move on,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. And I can only advise them to keep moving forward with the same humility and work ethic and with their feet firmly planted on the ground.
‘They will continue to improve with the same attitude, professionalism and maturity that they show during games, despite being so young, which makes them look older and more experienced than they really are.
‘But above all they have to enjoy playing for us. Hopefully we can enjoy his game for many years to come.’
Four minutes following Yamal’s goal, Spain turned the game around when Dani Olmo’s goal was headed into the net by French defender Jules Conde. It was initially awarded as France’s own goal by UEFA but was later awarded to Olmo.
“They scored first but we planned the match well and stuck to our plan,” Olmo said. Lamine scored a very good goal.’
Yamal attempted another superb goal nine minutes from time when the ball went over the crossbar from close range.
“When there was only half an hour left I was thinking we were going to the final,” said Yamal. That was all I might think of. When the referee blew the final whistle, I was very happy because I always remember the last European Championship I watched with my friends in the shopping mall.’
“To reach the final with the national team is a dream come true,” he said.
#play #win #Spains #rising #soccer #star #Yamal
2024-07-14 03:01:42