Coach's Challenge to Lamine
De la Fuente on Lamine Yamal: 'Make Rivals Suffer' Ahead of Portugal Clash
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Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has delivered a bold message ahead of his team's round-of-16 clash against Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking before the match, De la Fuente said of young star Lamine Yamal: "A Lamine le pediría que haga sufrir a los rivales" — he wants him to make opponents suffer. El Día and several Spanish outlets picked up the remarks.
The Spain vs. Portugal last-16 tie is one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament. De la Fuente used his pre-match media appearance to set expectations and outline his vision for how his squad — and Lamine in particular — should approach the game, according to Levante-EMV.
De la Fuente's Direct Message to Lamine Yamal
The Spain head coach did not hold back when asked about Lamine Yamal's role. "I would ask Lamine to make the opponents suffer," De la Fuente said, according to El Periódico de Aragón. That is a clear instruction: be direct, be aggressive, and put defenders under pressure from the first minute.
Lamine, still a teenager, has already become one of the most exciting players at the tournament. De la Fuente's words signal that the youngster will be given freedom to take risks and attack Portugal's defense, as reported by La Opinión de Murcia.
Spain vs. Portugal: A Heavyweight Iberian Showdown
Spain and Portugal meeting in the round of 16 is the biggest Iberian derby in World Cup history at this stage. Both teams are packed with top European talent. Portugal have Cristiano Ronaldo and a deep squad. Spain boast a possession-based system with elite players across every position, according to Diario Córdoba.
The stakes could not be higher. Win, and a spot in the quarterfinals awaits. Lose, and the World Cup dream is over. De la Fuente clearly wants his team — and Lamine specifically — to be the ones who dictate the tempo, not react to Portugal's play, El Correo Gallego reported.
Coach Builds Team Around Lamine's Attacking Threat
De la Fuente's comments reflect a wider tactical choice. Spain are building their attack around Lamine's pace, dribbling, and ability to beat defenders one-on-one. Asking him to "make opponents suffer" means putting him in wide positions and letting him run at full-backs repeatedly, according to El Periódico Mediterráneo.
That approach has worked well for Spain in the group stage. The coach's job now is to make sure Lamine arrives at the knockout game with confidence and a clear role. De la Fuente's public statement does exactly that — it puts faith in his young star, La Provincia noted.
What Portugal Must Do to Stop Spain's Young Star
Portugal's coaching staff will have taken note of De la Fuente's words. Stopping Lamine will likely require a physical, disciplined full-back and help from a central midfielder. One lapse in concentration could mean a goal, a penalty, or a red card for Portugal, according to La Opinión de Málaga.
Spain go into the game as a team with momentum and a clear identity. Portugal, equally strong, will look to their own weapons. But De la Fuente's message is simple: give Lamine the ball, let him run, and let him make life very difficult for whoever stands in his way, Información reported.
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