Yamal hits back at ex-Netherlands player Van der Vaart after Spain's Nations League win
MADRID (AP) — Lamine Yamal has made it clear he wasn't happy with criticism from former Netherlands player Rafael van der Vaart.
Yamal helped Spain get past the Dutch in the quarterfinals of the Nations League on Sunday.
After the penalty shootout, the 17-year-old Yamal lowered his shorts just below the waist, directly addressing Van der Vaart's reported comments as a Dutch television pundit that he was bothered by the Spanish teenager's attitude last week during the 2-2 draw in the first leg in the Netherlands.
Van der Vaart was quoted by Spanish media as saying that Yamal didn't seem motivated, noting he was playing with his shorts lowered and with gestures that showed indifference. He said Yamal was handily defeated in his duel with Dutch left back Jorrel Hato in that first leg.
Yamal's teammate, Nico Williams, also lowered his shorts alongside Yamal after the shootout win in Valencia.
On Instagram, Yamal posted the photo of him and Williams with shorts lowered and a couple of images of Van der Vaart. Beside laughing emojis, he wrote, “Shorts down, one goal, one missed penalty, and into the semifinals.”
The post included images of Yamal playing and celebrating with his Spain teammates.
Yamal scored in extra time of the 3-3 draw, then suffered Spain's lone penalty miss in a shootout won 5-4.
Yamal's Barcelona teammate Ferran Torres was among those commenting on Yamal's Instagram post to support him.
Van der Vaart played for Barcelona rival Real Madrid from 2008-10, and made more than 100 appearances with the Netherlands in the 2000s.
Spain, the defending European champion, is trying to win its second straight Nations League title.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
-
Yamal hits back at Van der Vaart after Spain win
Lamine Yamal has quipped back at Rafael van der Vaart's "pants down" jibe after helping Spain beat Netherlands in Sunday's UEFA Nations League quarterfinal.ESPN - 12h -
‘Wasn’t trying too hard’ – Former Real Madrid midfielder takes aim at Barcelona wonderkid over NT display
Former Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has openly criticised Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal for his display in Spain’s match against the Netherlands. The Dutchman expressed his ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Spain star Yamal still maturing after rollercoaster night
Lamine Yamal scored a brilliant goal but also missed a penalty on another night of growth for Barcelona's teenage star as Spain reached the Nations League semi-finals."Shorts down, a goal, a missed ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Koeman talks Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Balde, De Jong, Messi ahead of Netherlands vs Spain
Spain and the Netherlands will clash this Thursday in Rotterdam in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, with the return match set for Sunday in Valencia. Ronald Koeman, former ...Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal dominates Benfica with goal and assist in Champions League win
He's only 17, but Lamine Yamal is fast becoming one of the best players, of any age, in the worldCBS Sports - Mar. 11 -
Spanish star Yamal's Ramadan fasting 'completely normal' for coach
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said Wednesday he had no problems with star forward Lamine Yamal observing Ramadan as his side prepared for their Nations League quarter-final clash with the ...Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, at 17, might already be the best soccer player in the world
Yamal's sample size of greatness just keeps getting bigger. His exploits in the Champions League on Tuesday were silly.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 11 -
Spain oust Netherlands on penalties to reach Nations League semis
Nations League holders Spain reached the final four with a 5-4 win on penalties against the Netherlands, after a thrilling 3-3 quarter-final second leg draw on Sunday had left the tie 5-5 on ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Official: Three Barcelona players start for Spain against Netherlands
With Spain set to take on the Netherlands in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-finals later tonight, manager Luis de la Fuente has announced the starting lineup.As many as three ...Yahoo Sports - 5d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
TGL Golf live updates: How to watch New York vs. Atlanta Drive in championship
Follow along for live updates from the final night of TGL in the 2025 season.Yahoo Sports - 7m -
A longtime fan, Ben McCollum aims to restore winning at Iowa
Ben McCollum grew up a fan of the Iowa men’s basketball team. McCollum was introduced as Iowa’s new head coach on Tuesday, a day after his hiring was announced by the university. The Iowa native, ...Yahoo Sports - 7m -
4-star EDGE prospect Jamarion Carlton sets spring visit with the Texas Longhorns
Jamarion Carlton has included the Longhorns on his list for spring visitsYahoo Sports - 8m -
4-star EDGE prospect Jamarion Carlton sets spring visit with the Texas Longhorns
Jamarion Carlton has included the Longhorns on his list for spring visitsYahoo Sports - 8m -
Russell Wilson joins Giants on 1-year, $21 million deal
Russell Wilson has a new team.Yahoo Sports - 9m
More in Sports
-
TGL Golf live updates: How to watch New York vs. Atlanta Drive in championship
Follow along for live updates from the final night of TGL in the 2025 season.Yahoo Sports - 7m -
A longtime fan, Ben McCollum aims to restore winning at Iowa
Ben McCollum grew up a fan of the Iowa men’s basketball team. McCollum was introduced as Iowa’s new head coach on Tuesday, a day after his hiring was announced by the university. The Iowa native, ...Yahoo Sports - 7m -
4-star EDGE prospect Jamarion Carlton sets spring visit with the Texas Longhorns
Jamarion Carlton has included the Longhorns on his list for spring visitsYahoo Sports - 8m -
4-star EDGE prospect Jamarion Carlton sets spring visit with the Texas Longhorns
Jamarion Carlton has included the Longhorns on his list for spring visitsYahoo Sports - 8m -
Russell Wilson joins Giants on 1-year, $21 million deal
Russell Wilson has a new team.Yahoo Sports - 9m