Yamal generated two shots (zero on goal), seven crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Monday's 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.
Analysis:
Yamal, who has not played in any match since April 22 due to a hamstring injury, was an option off the bench Monday. Manager Luis de la Fuente likely would have wanted to keep him off the field in what was expected to be an easy victory, but with Spain's attack struggling to find a winner, Yamal subbed onto the pitch in the 71st minute to make his World Cup debut. He did not look hampered by his injury at all, and Spain's attack looked much more threatening once his pace and skill was on the field. Despite his seven crosses and two shot attempts, he still wasn't able to help find a winner. It's unclear if Yamal will now return to the starting XI Sunday versus Saudi Arabia, but a victory in that match is now even more important after dropping points Monday, so Yamal will likely be involved one way or another.
