- Lamine Yamal’s stunning strike sent Spain to the semifinals
- Spain triumphed after the Netherlands missed two penalties
- Yamal hit back at van der Vaart’s criticism on Instagram
Lamine Yamal added another highlight to his growing collection with a stunning goal in Spain’s penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals on Sunday.
The 17-year-old’s exquisite curling shot in extra time helped secure Spain’s spot in the semifinals, although the reigning European champions needed penalties to overcome a determined Dutch team.
Despite his brilliance on the pitch, Yamal saw his penalty saved during the shootout in what was a wild performance in Valencia. Thankfully for the young talent, the Netherlands missed two of their penalties, allowing Spain to celebrate a dramatic win.
Both teams entered the second leg of the quarterfinals level after a 2-2 draw in the first match.
Spain took the lead twice during regular time, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring both times, but the Dutch quickly responded. Memphis Depay and Ian Maatsen each netted for the Netherlands to equalize.
In extra time, Spain regained the lead with Yamal’s unforgettable goal in the 103rd minute. The Barcelona star controlled a brilliant pass from Dean Huijsen with the outside of his boot, cut past a defender, and struck a powerful shot into the far corner of the net.
This goal is just one of many impressive moments in a record-breaking season for Yamal.
However, Spain was once again pulled back by Xavi Simons, whose penalty in the 109th minute leveled the score and sent the match into a shootout.
In the end, Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón became the hero, saving Donyell Malen’s penalty. Barcelona’s Pedri then sealed the win for Spain.
After the match, Yamal took to Instagram to respond to comments made by former Dutch international and current pundit Rafael van der Vaart, who had criticized the teenager’s performance following the first leg, even mentioning that his shorts were too low.
Yamal clearly took notice of the remarks and delivered his own retort: “Pants down, a goal, missed penalty AND IN THE SEMIFINALS HEHEHEHE GO SPAIN!” he posted, sharing a set of photos that included one of Van der Vaart.
La Roja now faces France in the Nations League semifinals on June 5, after Les Bleus triumphed in their own dramatic penalty shootout against Croatia.
