Spain got off to a fast start against Croatia, and once again, Lamine Yamal was at the heart of almost everything, as the score was 2-1 to the world champions before half-time.
Yamal opened the scoring in the first 90 seconds, the fastest goal in the 2026-27 Nations League so far.
He teamed up with Alex Baena and, after a Fermin Lopez dummy helped create the opening, calmly slotted the ball into the far corner with his trademark left foot.
He has since added an assist to Mark Popil’s header in the 31st minute. Yamal played a short corner kick for Vermin, recovered it and crossed the ball into the box for Popil to slot home.
It means the Barcelona winger has one goal and one assist, days after scoring in the 3-2 win over England.
He was also deeply involved beyond the numbers. In the 20th minute, Yamal almost passed the ball to Mikel Oyarzabal with a cut pass from the right, while Spain looked at him repeatedly as they kept Croatia at bay.
Croatia briefly equalized through Dion Belgo after a wonderful cross from Ivan Perisic, but Spain remained in the driving seat thanks to Yamal’s efforts.
This coincides with his quest to win the Ballon d’Or, which looks like an exchange of penalty kicks between him and England captain Harry Kane.
The award is scheduled to be decided next month at the London Palladium.
