England hired a German coach to end 60 years of hurt but will exit the World Cup in the most English of ways. Another defeat in the semifinals. Another defeat from a winning position. The English media was predictably critical of coach Thomas Tuchel after Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Argentina. Speaking with FRANCE 24’s Mark Owen, The Guardian sports commentator Igor Mladenovic says “60 years of hurt are a big weight on English players”.

Lamine Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, recently revealed why he didn’t travel to the USA to support his son at the FIFA World Cup. Yamal made his World Cup debut for Spain this time and is set to play the final on July 19.

Despite not scoring more than once, Lamine Yamal has been one of Spain‘s standout stars in this World Cup. The Barcelona prodigy, who just turned 19, scored his first goal in the tournament against Saudi Arabia in the group stages and has started all of La Roja’s games except their debut 0-0 draw against Cabo Verde. Yamal started his World Cup campaign fresh off a hamstring injury, but is expected to play a major role in the final on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Spain’s clash against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final, Lamine Yamal’s father explained why he was unable to travel to the USA to support his son. He said (via Mercato Blaugrana):

“I’m an epileptic. I have to take a lot of medication every day, and I can have an epilepsy seizure. I could be here, right now, under the effects of stress or emotion, and have a seizure without realizing it. So you always have to think things through carefully. Before traveling, you have to think about me, about him, and about all the people around us, you know? I might end up causing problems. So it’s better to stay home and watch all this from here.”

Throughout the FIFA World Cup, Yamal’s mother, Sheila Ebana, and his half-brother, Keyne, have been spotted cheering for the youngster. His girlfriend, Inees Garcia, has also been spotted in all of Spain’s games, sporting Yamal’s shirt. Meanwhile, Yamal’s father has been vocal about his son’s performances on social media despite being absent from the stadiums.

When Lamine Yamal named Argentina as his preferred opponent in the FIFA World Cup final

After Spain’s 2-0 win over France in the FIFA World Cup semi-final, Lamine Yamal told DAZN that he would like to face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the final. The Barcelona superstar’s wish has been granted, as Messi’s side beat England 2-1 to make it to the final on Wednesday. Yamal said (via Fabrizio Romano):

“Facing Leo Messi in a World Cup final would be fantastic. I hope so.”

Messi’s Argentina was supposed to face Yamal’s Spain in the 2026 Finalissima earlier this year in March. However, the much-awaited clash was cancelled due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East amid the US-Iran war, since it was set to be held in Qatar.

Now, the massive clash is set to take place in the FIFA World Cup final. Messi could lead Argentina to a historic second World Cup, or Lamine Yamal could create history with La Roja by winning their second title. It’s all a matter of time now.