FIFA World Cup Round of 32
Spain 3 Austria 0
Los Angeles, USA: Spain ended a 16-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory with an impressive 3-0 win over Austria on Thursday to book their place in the Round of 16.
The European champions controlled proceedings from start to finish at SoFi Stadium, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice and Pedro Porro netting his maiden international goal to underline Spain’s credentials as genuine contenders for the 2026 World Cup title.
It was Spain’s first victory in a World Cup knockout match since defeating the Netherlands to lift the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
Spain wasted little time asserting themselves, dominating possession and pinning Austria deep inside their own half with slick passing and relentless attacking pressure.
Their first breakthrough appeared to arrive in the 29th minute when Marc Cucurella bundled the ball into the net following a corner, but the referee disallowed the goal after ruling that Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager had been fouled while attempting to clear the ball.
The Spaniards finally found the breakthrough eight minutes later through a flowing attacking move.
Dani Olmo released Cucurella down the left flank, and the Chelsea defender delivered a perfectly weighted low cross for Oyarzabal, who swept a first-time finish beyond Schlager to give Spain a deserved lead.
Spain nearly doubled their advantage before the interval when Alex Baena’s curling free-kick crashed against the crossbar before Lamine Yamal’s follow-up effort was brilliantly saved by the Austrian goalkeeper.
Austria emerged with greater attacking intent after the restart but struggled to penetrate Spain’s disciplined defensive structure.
Spain effectively put the contest beyond reach in the 66th minute when Baena floated an inviting cross into the penalty area and Pedro Porro rose highest to head home his first goal for the Spanish national team.
Oyarzabal completed the scoring late in the match, once again meeting an excellent delivery from Cucurella to seal his brace and cap another polished Spanish performance.
The convincing victory sends Spain into the Round of 16, where they will face the winners of the Portugal versus Croatia clash in Dallas.
Austria, meanwhile, bowed out of the tournament after being comprehensively outplayed by a Spain side that combined patience in possession with clinical finishing.
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