LOS ANGELES: Spain star Lamine Yamal said Thursday he was delighted with his team`s performance in their 3-0 win in the World Cup last 32 against Austria but admitted he would have liked to score.

`I was just missing a goal or an assist,` said the 18-year-old Barcelona sensation, who was named man of the match. `But as long as we win and advance to the next round, that`s what matters,` he told journalists in Los Angeles.

Pressed by one reporter on why he seemed glum after a World Cup knockout win, Yamal insisted he was happy inside, even if he didn`t show it outwardly.

`I really am happy. That match is over, and now we have to think about the next one,` he said.`I`m very grateful for the affection shown to me in every stadium. It helps me step onto the pitch more motivated,` he added.

Yamal, who will turn 19 on July 13, reiterated that his dream is to be a World Cup winner at the final in New Jersey on July 19.

`There`s nothing better than the World Cup,` he said.`When a kid dreams about football, they dream of playing in the World Cup.

I want to advance through the rounds and win with Spain.` He added: `We aren`t afraid of any team. We are Spain. We have to prove it on the pitch.` Yamal did briefly break into a smile when one journalist showed him a video of his three-year-old brother celebrating the victory in the Los Angeles stands.-AFP