Inglewood, July 2 -- Ahead of his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 clash, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed his admiration for teen sensation Lamine Yamal's "optimism", saying that the Barcelona star "transmits optimism, confidence and security".

Spain, who ended the group stage without conceding a goal for the first time ever, will continue their quest for the second World Cup title as they meet Austria for the round of 16 clash scheduled for Friday, 12:30 am IST. Yamal has scored a goal in three appearances for Spain in this tournament so far.

While Spain has not performed at their absolute dominant best, during a radio interview this week, Yamal, who has made a recovery from an injury which troubled him before the tournament, had sai...