Most teams face Spain with concern over how to contain Lamine Yamal. Portugal enters the match with a plan to address that challenge.
At the 2006 World Cup, England brought Wayne Rooney back early from injury to boost their squad. The tournament ended with Portugal eliminating England in the quarterfinals.
Spain arrives in New Jersey with a strong midfield of Pedri, Rodri and Fabian Ruiz. Coach Luis de la Fuente has stated that Spain possesses the tournament’s best midfield. However, the team also relies on Yamal’s direct play. The player has returned from injury and is performing below his usual standard.
Nuno Mendes is widely regarded as one of the top left-backs. Yamal has previously described him as the toughest defender faced. Mendes has marked Yamal in four prior meetings, including Champions League games and a Nations League final. Yamal recorded only one assist across those matches.
In the Nations League final, Mendes helped limit Yamal while scoring Portugal’s opening goal in a match Spain lost on penalties. Mendes later said he had prevented Yamal from performing at his best.
Mendes arrived at Paris Saint-Germain as an attacking left-back. Under Luis Enrique, his defensive skills improved, creating a more complete player capable of contributing at both ends.
This balance has affected Yamal in past encounters. During Spain’s match against Austria, Yamal created problems for the opposing defense even while returning from injury.
De la Fuente noted that Yamal has become more mature and reads games better with added experience.
Mendes also advances forward effectively. In the Nations League final he completed four of five dribbles and recorded multiple tackles and interceptions.
Yamal contributed defensively in that game as well, which reduced his attacking output. Portugal can use Mendes to restrict Yamal, forcing Spain to adjust its approach in a contest between two strong European sides.
