​Teen superstar Lamine Yamal contributes to Spain’s World Cup final run in ways opponents can’t see coming originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.In the 90 minutes of soccer that advanced Spain to the second FIFA World Cup final in their history, the most impactful contribution from teenaged superstar Lamine Yamal was to be kicked firmly in the left thigh.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt was the biggest moment of the game, for certain, and it required remarkable ability merely for him to arrive in a position where he could be struck.But did we mention the most important thing Spain’s most talented player did was to be struck by Lucas Digne’s left boot?It has been a strange summer for the world’s next singular sensation. Entering the World Cup after more than a month off with a torn hamstring, he has played all seven games for Spain and started the past six. Lamine Yamal played deep into the second half of the past five. He hasn’t scored since the second-game blowout of Saudi Arabia. And yet all this has led Lamine Yamal to stand 90 minutes removed from an opportunity to lift the most precious trophy in men’s team sports, and he has been an essential ingredient of that advance.By absorbing that blow we mentioned, he earned the penalty kick subsequently converted by Mikel Oyarzabal in the 22nd minute that provided the decisive margin in Spain’s 2-0 victory over favored France. The French had been storming through this World Cup scoring goals on the regular and conceding almost none, but, after falling behind by a goal, they only flirted with the possibility of tying the score.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMORE:France vs. Spain player ratingsWe’re being a bit facetious in suggesting Lamine Yamal simply got himself kicked. It was an astonishing play, perhaps the most spectacular of Spain’s afternoon outside the clinching goal scored by right back Pedro Porro.In the 20th minute, Spain left back Marc Cucurella sent a sizzling cross across the face of the goal that no teammate could reach. It arrived on the far side where Digne was alone for the moment. He had the opportunity to manage and dispose of it easily, but the ball came in high, so first Digne used a header to better control it. When it started to fall to where he could knock it clear with a boot, Lamine Yamal surged into the play and got between Digne and the ball. It was so sudden, Digne never imagined that to be possible. He obviously believed he had all the time necessary.He did not. Lamine Yamal was too dynamic. And precise. His run toward being kicked was executed just inside the boundary of the 18-yard box, which meant referee Ivan Barton of El Salvador was correct to point immediately to the penalty spot.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I think we’re showing, the collective, being so mature in certain moments, in big moments, and this is probably the most important thing,” star