SOCCER: De la Fuente sings Lamine's praises as Spain reach World Cup quarterfinals

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised Lamine Yamal after the 18-year-old forward helped inspire a 1-0 victory over Portugal on Monday, sending the defending European champions into the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since their 2010 title-winning campaign.

Substitute Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in the 91st minute in Arlington, securing Spain's place in the last eight.

De la Fuente described the match as one of the most significant performances of Yamal's young career, highlighting not only his attacking threat but also his overall contribution to the team.

"For me, Lamine has played one of the most important matches of his life," de la Fuente said. "Beyond whether he was brilliant or not, for me it has been one of the matches that will help him grow the most."

Yamal entered the tournament managing a hamstring injury and began Spain's World Cup campaign on the bench in a scoreless draw against Cape Verde. He returned to the starting lineup in the following match and scored in Spain's 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.

Against Portugal, the Barcelona forward registered three shots, including two on target, and consistently troubled the Portuguese defense before Merino's dramatic late winner.

De la Fuente also suggested Yamal's influence may have contributed to Portugal defender Nuno Mendes leaving the match with an injury in the 56th minute.

"Lamine did a spectacular job. He suffered for the team, he defended for the team. When he had the ball, he always created doubt and uncertainty for the opponent. He generated a lot of fear," de la Fuente said.

"We still need Lamine in this World Cup, to keep growing and delivering these kinds of performances," he added.

Spain will face either the United States or Belgium in the quarterfinals, depending on the outcome of their Round of 16 match later Monday.

Looking ahead, de la Fuente said Spain remains focused on its own performance rather than its next opponent.

"Any opponent you face at this stage will have done enough to deserve being there, and whoever comes next will be an even greater challenge than those we have encountered up to now," he said. -Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters