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Lamine Yamal starts on bench for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has decided to start teenage player Lamine Yamal on the bench for the team's 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Cape Verde. Spain, considered a tournament favorite, is playing against debutants Cape Verde at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano shared on X that Yamal was listed among the substitutes for the Group H match, despite earlier assurances about his fitness. Coach De la Fuente had previously stated in a pre-match press conference that Yamal was in "PERFECT conditions" and ready to play after recovering from a recent injury. Social media users reacted to the news, with many suggesting it was a cautious approach to manage the young player's workload during a long tournament. Comments included observations that a rested Yamal coming off the bench against tired legs would be effective, and that it was good he started from the bench as he had not played since his injury. Others noted that he might not be fit for 90 minutes and there was no need to risk further injury, calling it a smart move for a 17-year-old. Spain enters the tournament with high expectations after their Euro 2024 success, where Yamal was a standout performer. Cape Verde faces a challenge against Spain, even without Yamal in the initial lineup. The match is expected to test Spain's team depth as they aim to advance from the group stage, with fans anticipating Yamal's involvement as the tournament progresses.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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