Lamine Yamal may not have found the scoresheet against Belgium, but the Barcelona teenager once again showed why he is one of the standout players at the FIFA World Cup.

The 18-year-old was named Player of the Match after inspiring Spain to a dramatic 2-1 quarter-final victory, helping Luis de la Fuente’s side secure a place in the last four.

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Spain eventually broke Belgian resistance through a late winner from Mikel Merino, but Yamal’s influence stretched far beyond goals or assists.

The Barcelona winger was a constant threat throughout the contest, repeatedly isolating left-back Maxim De Cuyper and forcing Belgium to react.

The pressure became so relentless that De Cuyper was substituted just after the hour mark, with Joaquin Seys introduced as Belgium searched for fresh legs to contain one of the tournament’s most dangerous attackers.

Lamine Yamal reflects difficult battle against Belgium

Following the final whistle, Yamal admitted there was a strong sense of satisfaction inside the Spain camp after overcoming another difficult knockout test.

Lamine Yamal was crucial for Spain vs Belgium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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Speaking to the media, the Barcelona winger said, “We’re very happy to be in the semifinals. We’ve been here for many days and we want to go all the way.”

Spain were made to work hard despite controlling large spells of the match.

Their only setback came through an unfortunate goal, ending a defensive run that had lasted throughout the tournament.

Reflecting on that moment, Yamal insisted the result never truly reflected the balance of play.

“We were clearly the better team, and the own goal was an unusual situation because it happened right when we were at our best.

“It may seem like we don’t play very attractive football, but no one plays on equal terms with us—everyone sits back—yet in the end, we managed to secure the victory.”

Warning to France

The Barcelona star has warned France ahead of the semi-final. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

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Spain’s reward is a heavyweight semi-final against France, a fixture that many consider worthy of the final itself.

Both nations have impressed throughout the tournament, setting up another chapter in one of international football’s most compelling modern rivalries.

Yamal, however, made it clear that Spain will head into the contest without any sense of intimidation.

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s showdown, he said, “If they have to fear anyone, it’s us; we’re the ones who knocked them out (at Euro 2024).

“We’re two of the world’s top teams—in my opinion, the two best—and we’re not afraid at all,” he concluded.