‘A game to prove who I am’: Lamine Yamal on first Criano Ronaldo face-off in Spain vs Portugal Nations League final | Football News

Lamine Yamal was at his flawless best yet again as Spain edged past France in a humdinger contest in the UEFA Nations League semi-final, setting up an exciting summit clash against their Iberian rivals, Portugal, and a first meeting against the legendary Criano Ronaldo this weekend.
Named the Player of the Match for his superb brace in an eventual 5-4 thriller that dented Spain’s prolific four-goal lead during the game in Stuttgart, Yamal said the contest against Ronaldo and Co. in a potentially high-intensity finale is just the kind of game that boosts him to “prove” his abilities.
Yamal, alongside Nico Williams, set up the game just like they did during their Euro 2024 triumph in Germany last year. Williams, man of the match in the Euro 2024 final against England, was back on the scoresheet with a goal and an ass.
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With his first goal from the penalty spot, Yamal (aged 17y 318d) surpassed Netherlands’ Matthijs de Ligt (19y 298d) to become the youngest goal-scorer in the Nations League semi-finals.
“It’s a special game, a final against a great team gives us extra motivation,” Yamal told reporters as the 2021 UEFA Nations League winners will face the inaugural champions Portugal on Sunday night at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
“This is the kind of game I want to play, to prove who I am.”
The match will be the first clash of two generational superstars as the teenaged Yamal faces the international arena’s greatest goal-scorer, Ronaldo, 23 years his senior.
“He’s a football legend,” Yamal said.Story continues below this ad
“I, like all the players, have huge respect for Criano.
“I will do my job, which is to try to win, and that’s it,” he added.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente added that the spectators would see “two super powerful teams” on Sunday, adding that the game “could be a World Cup final.”
“We’re playing against one of the greats: Criano Ronaldo. Just his name stands out — I have limitless admiration for him.Story continues below this ad
“It’s really great to see a player at his age to keep playing and be as fit as he is. I admire him very much.”
The 40-year-old Ronaldo had previously shone in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Germany, a first  in 25 years, with the star striker netting the winner in the 68th minute.
(With inputs from agencies)