Euro 2024

[monks data]

Euro Champ Qualifying | Group Stage

Sep 8, 2023 at 5pm UK

Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena

Georgia
1 - 7
Spain

Chakvetadze (49')
Aburjania (45+2'), Kashia (50'), Kiteishvili (60'), Chakvetadze (63'), Kvaratskhelia (82')

FT(HT: 0-4)

Morata (22', 40', 66'), Kverkvelia (27' og.), Olmo (38'), Williams (68'), Yamal (74')
Gavi (45+1'), Zubimendi (79')

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal breaks two Spain records in thumping win

By Matt Law, Football Editor

Published: September 9 2023 | 09:40

Last updated: September 9 2023 | 12:00

Barcelona wonderkid Yamal breaks two Spain records in thumping win

Lamine Yamal became Spain's youngest-ever player and goalscorer during Friday evening's thumping 7-1 win over Georgia in La Roja's third Euro 2024 qualification match.

The attacker became Barcelona's youngest La Liga debutant at the age of 15 in April, and he has started his club team's last three matches, becoming an important player for head coach Xavi despite his age.

Yamal's form saw him named in the senior Spain squad, and he became the nation's youngest player at the age of 16 years and 57 days old when he replaced Dani Olmo just before the interval on Friday.

The 16-year-old then got his name on the scoresheet in the 74th minute of the match to become the country's youngest ever goalscorer, creating two pieces of history during a standout win for Luis de la Fuente's side.

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal comes on for his historic debut on April 29, 2023 © Reuters

"I'm happy obviously, for my debut and my goal," Yamal told Teledeporte after the contest on Friday. "It's a dream. I'm living in a dream right now.

"I'm very happy and I have to thank my teammates and the coach for the confidence he has given me, and to everyone who has helped me on this path."

Yamal qualified for Morocco and Equatorial Guinea through his parents but has now committed his international future to Spain and has said that he is "very satisfied" with his decision.

"I'm very satisfied with my decision and very happy. It's going to be a long road with Spain and I hope we win a lot of things together," he said.

The attacker also opened up on the challenge of stepping up to senior international football.

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring with Lamine Yamal on August 27, 2023 © Reuters

"With the opponents, you notice the difference, but also the passes of my teammates are at a very high level and that helps a lot," said Yamal, who will now be hoping to feature against Cyprus on Tuesday night.

Spain won the UEFA Nations League in June but had entered the clash with Georgia off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Scotland in their last European Championship qualification match.

Alvaro Morata netted a hat-trick against Georgia, while Olmo and Nico Williams were on the scoresheet alongside Yamal, with Solomon Kvirkvelia also registering an own goal.

Yamal has also become the youngest goalscorer in a European Championship qualification match, taking the record previously held by Gareth Bale, who netted for Wales at the age of 17 years and 83 days old.