Despite the vote closure, Lamine Yamal illuminates the Football Sports League and the Ball

In Split's stadium, Barcelona's young prodigy Lamine Yamal opened the scoring against Croatia in the 31st minute, recalling his brace against England two days earlier. As the Ballon d'Or voting closed this Tuesday, the 19‑year‑old provided an assist to Marc Pubill, who put Spain back in front.

A decisive performance in the Nations League

Julien Parcinski, football journalist, notes that, with less than a month before the Ballon d'Or, Yamal delivered a major performance by scoring two goals and providing an assist in the 2023 Nations League final. This performance extends his run of eight consecutive matches in which he has been decisive, whether with his club or the national team.

The match progression

After the opening goal in the 31st minute, Croatia equalised thanks to Dion Beljo in the 28th minute, from a pass by Ivan Perišić. Pubill quickly restored the lead in the 31st minute with Yamal’s assist. The third goal came from Yamal himself in the 63rd minute, after a pass from Pedri, and the fourth was scored by Williams in the 89th minute.

Lamine Yamal opens scoring as Nations League heats up in Seville

Consequences and the tournament's next stage

Spain, top of its group with two wins, will face the Czech Republic this Saturday before heading to Split next Tuesday. Coach Luis de la Fuente wants to prove that complacency does not exist, even after winning the world title two months ago.

The match was also marked by the presence of veterans such as Ivan Perišić, 37, and Luka Modrić, who came on with ten minutes remaining. Referee Serdar Gözübüyük handed yellow cards to Pongracic, Sucic, Baena, Pasalic and Misic.

Lamine Yamal's first goal puts Spain ahead in Nations League duel

In summary, Yamal’s performance, combining two goals and an assist, strengthens his Ballon d'Or candidacy, even though the votes are already closed, and confirms his crucial role in Spain’s Nations League triumph.