Lamine Yamal needed barely 70 seconds to put Spain ahead against Croatia on Tuesday night, then marked the moment with a tribute to one of French football’s enduring images.
The Ligue 1 news
Spain defeated Croatia 4-1 in the Nations League, with the 19-year-old opening the scoring in the second minute before recreating Thierry Henry’s famous corner-flag celebration.
Yamal grasped the flag and struck the pose associated with the former France forward. Afterwards, he explained that Henry remains a reference point for him.
“I like him a lot,” Yamal said. “Henry is a role model. His celebration is iconic and I wanted to do it myself.”
The Barcelona forward was decisive throughout the match. He supplied Marc Pubill for Spain’s second goal in the 31st minute, before adding another himself on 63 minutes, beating the goalkeeper at the near post from a tight angle.
His latest display extended an extraordinary recent run: across his last eight appearances in all competitions, Yamal has produced eight goals and seven assists.
Asked about the Ballon d’Or, he was equally direct: “Anyone who watches football knows the case I have.”
Spain’s next appointment
Spain are now unbeaten in 40 consecutive matches within 90 minutes. Their next Nations League fixture is against the Czech Republic on Saturday, 3 October, followed three days later by a return trip to face Croatia.
