Spain Brush Aside Austria to Reach World Cup Last 16

INGLEWOOD, California (AP): Spain moved into the World Cup round of 16 yesterday with a 3-0 win over Austria, powered by two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and another from Pedro Porro. It was Spain’s first victory in a World Cup knockout game since they lifted the title in 2010.

La Roja controlled the ball for long stretches and looked more dangerous in attack than at any other stage of the tournament. Spain still have not allowed a goal at this World Cup, and goalkeeper Unai Simón was not required to make a save as Austria failed to register a shot on target, giving him a fourth straight clean sheet.

“I’m happy to have helped the team for us to go through another round,” Oyarzabal said. “Now, just rest and get ready for the next one. It was a complicated match. We knew that it was going to be difficult against a very physical team, but we had a very good day and played a good match.”

Lamine Yamal accounted for four of Spain’s 10 shots on target and drew loud support from a sold-out, pro-Spain crowd at SoFi Stadium. The 18-year-old Barcelona talent stayed on the field longer than in any of Spain’s previous matches in the tournament before being substituted in the 85th minute, shortly after Austria defender David Alaba got back to block his fierce effort on the goal line.

Spain’s headline moments came from Oyarzabal, the Real Sociedad captain, who took his tally at this World Cup to four goals. He broke the deadlock in the 36th minute and added the third in the 89th, with Marc Cucurella setting up both finishes from the left flank.

“The great teams step up when it’s needed,” Spain coach Luis De La Fuente said. “We played a great match. We came close to perfection, but we must keep improving. There is always room for improvement, because every upcoming match will be very difficult.”

Austria stayed in the game for long periods largely because goalkeeper Alexander Schlager produced six saves. Ralf Rangnick’s side had reached the knockout stage of their first World Cup since 1998 after snatching a late draw against Algeria through an injury-time goal, but Austria still have not won a World Cup knockout match since 1954.

Spain had come through the group stage without losing, though doubts remained over whether their star-filled squad could truly challenge for the title. After this performance, they appear to be serious contenders again for the first time since their triumph in South Africa 16 years ago.

The victory also stretched Spain’s unbeaten run in competitive matches to 35 since March 2023. During that period, La Roja won the 2023 Nations League and the 2024 European Championship, although they were beaten by Portugal on penalties in the 2025 Nations League final.

After a careful opening against Austria, Spain became more aggressive following the first-half hydration break. Three minutes after Schlager tipped away a low Oyarzabal effort with a diving hand, the forward found space inside the area and finished Cucurella’s pass for his third goal of the tournament.

Spain maintained that pressure after the interval and produced some of their best attacking combinations of the competition. Their second came when Baena got free on the left and clipped a cross to the unmarked Porro, who headed in emphatically for his first goal in international football.

Oyarzabal completed the scoring in the 89th minute, turning home another precise delivery from Cucurella.