Spain defeated Austria 3-0 to advance to the World Cup last 16 and set up a meeting with either Portugal or Croatia. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and Pedro Porro grabbed his first international goal in a commanding knockout display that confirmed their status as European champions.
Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated possession with 64% and registered 23 shots, 10 on target, in what the Spain coach described as an “almost perfect” performance. The victory marked their first success at the tournament’s knockout stage since winning the title in 2010.
First-half breakthrough
Spain began brightly, with Lamine Yamal testing the Austrian defence after just 59 seconds. They thought they had taken the lead from a corner when Pau Cubarsí headed home, but the goal was disallowed after referee Glenn Nyberg ruled the defender had interfered with goalkeeper Alex Schlager.
The breakthrough arrived after 36 minutes when Pedri found Marc Cucurella, whose low cross was converted first time by Oyarzabal. The Chelsea full-back was instrumental throughout, registering two assists in a dominant display from the back.
Second-half seal
Austria briefly threatened early in the second period when Marcel Sabitzer’s inswinging cross found substitute Sasa Kalajdzic, but the striker headed over from close range. Spain responded immediately, with Álex Baena striking the crossbar from a free-kick before Porro doubled the lead with a powerful header from Baena’s delivery.
Oyarzabal sealed the victory in the 89th minute, completing a sweeping move that began with Unai Simón and ended with the striker slipping home his second of the game.
“We were in it until the 2-0, but our opponents are special and it’s hard over 90 minutes,” said Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick.
Records and next steps
Spain kept a fourth consecutive clean sheet, with Simón breaking Iker Casillas’s record from the 2010 triumph. Centre-backs Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte continued their formidable partnership, while full-backs Cucurella and Porro provided constant attacking width.
“Big teams turn up when they’re needed,” De la Fuente added.
The victory sends Spain through to face the winners of Portugal versus Croatia. For Austria, the exit ends their campaign despite the efforts of Bundesliga-based duo Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer, who both played every minute of the competition.