"Pants down, goal scored" - Yamal mocks former Real Madrid midfielder

Spain qualified for their third Nations League final four out of four possible so far after beating the Netherlands 5-4 in a penalty shootout after the second leg on Spanish soil ended in a 3-3 draw. 

The exciting match already had high expectations, partly due to provocations from both sides after the 2-2 draw in the first leg. On the Spanish side, Nico Williams said they would “smash” the Dutch in the second leg, while Rafael van der Vaart was highly critical of Spanish star Lamine Yamal. 

"I noticed some things that started to bother me a little bit. He wasn’t trying too hard. Pants pulled too low, not putting in much effort, slightly superficial gestures," said the former Real Madrid player. 

However, the Barcelona winger simply responded on the pitch and did so with a great performance that included a goal in extra time, despite missing his penalty in the shootout. 

Yamal, hours later after the qualification of 'La Roja', uploaded a post to Instagram celebrating the victory and also laughing at the Dutch icon's criticism.  "Pants down, goal scored, missed penalty and in the semifinals… let's go, Spain."