Yamal's strike was not one of his classic left-footed efforts. He cut to the back post, slid in, and tapped home an easy finish after a strong Spanish move. Every time he touched the ball on Sunday, the crowd buzzed as if something remarkable might happen.
The goal carried historic weight. Yamal reached his first World Cup goal earlier in life than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo did at theirs. Pelé was 17 years and 239 days old when he scored his first World Cup goal, though the four-year World Cup cycle plays a role in setting marks like these. If a World Cup had been held two years ago, Yamal may have scored as a 16-year-old, as could have been the case for other all-time greats.
Often called a wonder child, Yamal is widely viewed as the best young player in the world and is rising toward the top of the sport overall. On Sunday, the future already looked present.
More From the World Cup
- USA and England cannot actually play on July 4th.
- Norway brought 600 pounds of salmon to the World Cup.
- Cape Verde pulled off one of the craziest results in World Cup history.
- Pink cleats are everywhere at the World Cup.
- Folarin Balogun's mom being too pregnant to fly led him to the USMNT.
