Yamal Motivated to Prove Himself

Spain wunderkind relishes facing Portugal legend Ronaldo in Nations League final

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STUTTGART - Spain starlet Lamine Yamal said the Nations League final against Portugal on June 8 would give him the chance to "prove who I am" after helping his side beat France in the last four on June 5.

The forward scored twice and was named Man of the Match in a 5-4 win over the French in Stuttgart, sealing progress to the title showdown against their Iberian rivals.

A late French flourish - a Rayan Cherki screamer, a Spain own goal and a stoppage-time strike from Randal Kolo Muani - obscured Spain's dominance, with La Roja cruising at 5-1 before dropping their intensity.

But it ultimately did not prove costly.

As they did on their way to winning Euro 2024 in Germany, Spain's success was built on the foundation of wingers Yamal and Nico Williams.

Williams, who got a goal of his own and set up another, was Man of the Match in the 2-1 Euro 2024 final win over England. The duo will be key as 2023 Nations League winners Spain now take on Portugal, who won the competition in 2019.