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Yamal starts for Spain in Euro qualifier vs Austria

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Teen prodigy Lamine Yamal earned his second start for the senior side as Spain face Austria in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Saturday. The 16‑year‑old replaces a veteran on the left flank, giving manager Luis de la Fuente a more dynamic option. The big match, staged at the Santiago Bernabéu, kicks off at 20:45 local time.

Yamal's inclusion follows a cameo against Norway last month, where his pace and dribbling drew praise despite limited minutes. At 16, he becomes one of the youngest ever to start for Spain in a competitive fixture, signalling a shift toward youth in a squad that has relied on seasoned veterans. De la Fuente expects the youngster to stretch defenses and create space for the midfield.

Austria arrives in good form, having secured wins over Bosnia and Finland, so the encounter promises a test of Spain's evolving attack. A crucial victory would lift La Roja to 12 points, edging them nearer the group summit, while a draw keeps the race tight. Austria will look to exploit any naiveté, making the game a decisive early‑season gauge.