Spain booked their place in the World Cup last 16 with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Austria in Los Angeles. The European champions overcame an early controversy — Marc Cucurella had a goal ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper — but Mikel Oyarzabal put them ahead late in the first half and Spain never looked back.
Ralf Rangnick introduced Sasa Kalajdzic in search of a repeat of his stoppage-time heroics from the previous match; the striker rose well but headed over when presented with a chance. Instead it was Pedro Porro who made the decisive impact early in the second half, nodding in from close range to double Spain’s lead from a good Baena delivery. Oyarzabal wrapped up the win deep into the match by converting another Cucurella cross, completing his brace and sending a message to the tournament favourites.
Key moments:
– 30′ Disallowed goal: Cucurella ruled to have fouled the keeper.
– 37′ GOAL: Mikel Oyarzabal finishes to give Spain the lead.
– 61′ Chance: Kalajdzic heads over after coming on.
– 66′ GOAL: Pedro Porro heads home to make it 2-0.
– 89′ GOAL: Oyarzabal converts again to seal a 3-0 victory.
Spain have now not conceded at this tournament and extended an impressive run to 34 competitive internationals unbeaten inside 90 minutes. While their group-stage displays included the surprising draw with Cape Verde, this performance showed both defensive solidity and increasing attacking firepower. Teenager Lamine Yamal again provided moments of brilliance and, coupled with clinical finishing from Oyarzabal, gives Spain genuine threat going forward.
Analysis: Oyarzabal’s role
Oyarzabal has grown into a key attacking outlet for Luis de la Fuente’s side. The Real Sociedad forward, who famously scored the winning goal off the bench in the Euro 2024 final, has supplanted Alvaro Morata as Spain’s main finishing option and added two more goals here — his third and fourth of the World Cup. His movement and composure in the box provide Spain with a different dimension and a reliable goalscorer at major tournaments.
Reactions
Mikel Oyarzabal: “I’m happy to help the team and get through to the next round. Now we need to rest. They were a physical side and difficult to play against, but we played a good match. We’re happy to qualify. It doesn’t matter who we face in the next round — I have friends in both teams.”
Luis de la Fuente: “We knew it would be an important match, especially in this knockout stage. We had the previous games in mind and, in every aspect, we were almost perfect. But there are still a few little things to improve. We can always do better. Every match is going to be more difficult than the last. We need to keep this mentality.”
What’s next
Spain now face a tougher test in the next round against either Portugal or Croatia. If they can maintain their defensive discipline while getting more consistency in attack, they have the personnel to trouble any opponent.
Notes
Player ratings and in-depth stats were produced after the match. Overall, this result will reassure Spain fans that the team can combine a sturdy rearguard with a growing attacking threat as the knockout rounds loom.