Lamine Yamal Returns in Spain’s 0‑0 World Cup Draw

Lamine Yamal returned from a two‑month injury layoff in Spain’s opening World Cup match. Spain were held to a 0‑0 draw by Cape Verde. Yamal came on as a substitute in the final 20 minutes. The teenager had been injured in a clash with Real Betis in April. Spain’s coaching staff chose to introduce him from the bench rather than start him. His arrival shifted Spain’s attacking rhythm and forced Cape Verde’s defence to react. The Barcelona forward took on defenders, attacked space and created moments of chaos, but did not produce a decisive breakthrough. After the match Yamal posted on Instagram that the team had earned a point and would keep working hard. He added that everything would turn out as hoped. The game highlighted Spain’s growing reliance on Yamal for creative spark. Coaches may need a stronger Plan B if opponents neutralise his influence.