Yamal Signs the Champions' Homecoming: Spain Humble Croatia 4-1 in Seville
A night celebrating the World Cup crown became another football lesson, and the golden boy scored before the crowd had even settled into their seats
Seville needed no long preamble. Spain's first home match since lifting the World Cup in July was preceded by Rodri parading the trophy on the pitch, and then Lamine Yamal turned the celebration from symbolic ritual into reality played with a ball. The world champions beat Croatia 4-1 in the Nations League, with Yamal scoring twice and providing an assist, in a match where the gap looked wider than the scoreline itself suggests.
The Second Minute… A Repeated Signature
Some players score; others build a habit. Just as he opened the scoring against England inside two minutes, Yamal needed only 75 seconds this time against Slaven Bilić's side, taking his international tally to nine goals in 36 appearances. The goal came from a precise first-time finish, curling Alex Baena's cut-back into the bottom corner, as if the youngster were declaring that Spain's matches begin when he decides they do.
Beljo Revives Hope… Pubill Extinguishes It
Croatia equalised against the run of play just before the half-hour, when Dion Beljo rose to meet a pinpoint cross from Ivan Perišić. But Croatian hope did not live long: Yamal played a short corner with Fermín López, then delivered a superb right-footed cross onto the head of Marc Pubill, who scored his first international goal to restore the lead. With less than a minute left before the break, the post denied Fermín a third.
A Night of Standing Ovations
In the 63rd minute, Yamal collected Pedri's pass inside the box and fired home his second from a tight angle. Shortly after, he was substituted to a standing ovation from the Pizjuán crowd. The finale came through a passing sequence that began with Rodri and Pedri and ended with Nico Williams' finish a minute from time, a scene that summed up De la Fuente's philosophy: the ball moves, and the opponent gasps.
The Numbers Don't Flatter
Spain generated 1.77 expected goals from 16 attempts, against just 0.44 for Croatia from five shots, while the visitors' possession did not exceed 36 percent. More importantly, the champions extended their record European unbeaten run to 40 matches, with nine consecutive wins in all competitions, equalling their best streak under De la Fuente, to top Group A3 with six points from two games.
Croatia… A Generation Searching for Itself
Bilić made six changes from the side that beat the Czech Republic, keeping Luka Modrić on the bench before sending him on late. It was a decision that exposes the dilemma of a national team trying to prepare for life after its legend, only to collide with an opponent that allows no time for experimentation. In the second half, the Croatians resorted to tactical fouls and rough challenges to break the hosts' rhythm, a sign of helplessness more than a plan.
The Verdict
In Seville, Spain did not merely win a match; they announced that their world title was not a peak but the start of an era. A team with Yamal at nineteen, Pedri at the heart of midfield, and Rodri guarding the tempo does not so much play the Nations League as parade through it. The real question is no longer who can stop Spain, but when this generation will tire of winning.
Dr. Talal Othman, General Manager — GCC Sport
