Spain is too good for Austria, you will easily advance to 16th place
Reigning European champions Spain, considered one of the favorites to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup, lived up to their billing with a commanding 3-0 win over Austria in their Round of 32 match at the Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday 2 July. Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice while Pedro Porro added his first international goal as Luis de la Fuente’6 comfortably secured their last place.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Spain vs Austria: Highlights
Spain dominated proceedings from start to finish, stunning Austria with their smooth passing, relentless pressing and attacking intent. They finished the match with 23 shots, including 10 on target, and an Expected Goals (xG) of 2.84, while Austria managed just five attempts without testing the goalkeeper.
SPAIN SALSA AROUND AUSTRIA
Spain took control from the opening whistle, dictating possession and repeatedly stretching the Austrian defense through the lively Lamin Yamal and Alex Baen. Marc Cucurella was equally influential on the left, constantly combining with Baena to create dangerous chances.
Aymeric Laporte went close with a header from a corner, while Dani Olmo and Oyarzabal kept goalkeeper Alexander Schlager busy with a series of efforts. Schlager proved to be Austria’s standout player in the opening half, making several key saves to keep himself in the match. Oyarzabal scored a boost against Austria (Photo Reuters)
Austria struggled to build some sustained attacks, though Spain almost caught up when Michael Gregoritsch narrowly failed to connect with a teasing cross from the left. Despite this brief scare, Ralf Rangnick’s men spent long periods pinned down in their own half as Spain continued to press.
The breakthrough finally came in the 36th minute. Pedri made his way through midfield before releasing Cucurella on the left. The full-back sent a precise low cross into the box where Oyarzabal arrived at the perfect moment to head the ball past Schlager from close range.
Spain almost doubled their lead before the break. Baen’s 25-yard free-kick hit the woodwork before Schlager pulled off another superb save to keep out Yamal from point-blank range to ensure Austria were just one goal behind at half-time.
PORRO AND OYARZABAL SEAL DOMINANT WIN
Austria started with more effort after the break and almost found an equalizer through substitute Sas Kalajdzic, who shortly after coming on headed Marcel Sabitzer’s encouraging cross just over the crossbar.
This missed opportunity proved costly.
Spain doubled their lead in the 66th minute after Cucurella again sparked the move. The left-back fed Baena, who won possession high up the pitch, whose tempting cutback was met by Pedro Porro. The Tottenham full-back sent his header past a helpless Schlager to score his first goal for Spain and all but end Austria’s hopes. Porro scored his first international goal for Spain (Photo Reuters)
The European champions continued to attack in search of more goals. Yamal thought he had added his name to the scoresheet but David Alaba produced a superb goal-line cross to deny the teenage winger.
Oyarzabal finally got the second goal in the 89th minute, which he deserved with his performance. Cucurella slotted another excellent pass into the box to allow the Real Sociedad forward to calmly finish his finish into the bottom right corner to complete an emphatic victory for Spain.
The 3-0 score accurately reflected the dominance of Spain, who comfortably advanced to the round of 16 without looking troubled.
Luis de la Fuente’s side will now face either Portugal or Croatia in Dallas as they continue their quest for a second World Cup title.
Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news
– The end
Published on:
03 Jul 2026 02:51 IST