LOS ANGELES — Spain continued its impressive World Cup campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria on Thursday, as Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and La Roja extended its remarkable defensive record to secure a place in the round of 16.
Spain, considered one of the tournament favorites despite opening with a draw against Cape Verde, overwhelmed Austria with relentless attacking pressure while producing another flawless defensive performance. The Spaniards have yet to concede a goal in the competition and became the first team since Germany in the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina to prevent an opponent from registering a shot on target in a knockout match.
The victory sends Spain into the last 16, where it will face either Portugal or Croatia for a place in the quarterfinals.
“I don’t know who I’d prefer to play, I haven’t planned for each team,” Oyarzabal said. “Bring them on.”
Spain controlled possession from the opening whistle, with 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal repeatedly troubling Austria’s defense. Marc Cucurella thought he had opened the scoring early, but his close-range effort was ruled out after the referee penalized a foul on goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
The breakthrough finally arrived when Cucurella delivered a precise cross into the penalty area and Oyarzabal guided his finish into the bottom corner to reward Spain’s dominance.
Austria survived further pressure before halftime thanks largely to Schlager, who produced consecutive saves from a dangerous free kick and the ensuing rebound to keep the deficit at one goal entering the interval.
Austria’s best opportunity came early in the second half when Sasa Kalajdzic headed a cross toward goal, but the effort drifted harmlessly over the crossbar as Spain’s defense continued to frustrate every attacking attempt.
Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage in the 66th minute, heading home from close range before Oyarzabal completed his brace in the 89th minute after capitalizing on a defensive mistake by an increasingly weary Austrian back line.
Spain’s defensive organization once again complemented its attacking quality, with Austria unable to generate sustained pressure throughout the contest.
While much attention has focused on Yamal’s creativity, Spain’s back line has quietly emerged as one of the tournament’s strongest units, maintaining its perfect defensive record through the knockout stage.
Yamal, who continues to regain full fitness after recovering from a hamstring injury earlier in the tournament, said he felt increasingly comfortable after another lively display.
“Little by little, I’m starting to feel like myself again,” Yamal said. “Making the runs I need to make, the dribbles — everything.”
With Spain now preparing for its next knockout match in Dallas, the teenager emphasized that every game from this stage forward carries enormous significance.
“The crucial moment is now,” he said. “You can go home if you want, but that’s not what any of us wants, no Spaniard wants that, and we’re going to give it our all. Now it’s time to rest and think about the next match.”
Yamal added that representing Spain at the World Cup remains the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition.
“When a child dreams of playing football, they dream of playing for their national team and in a World Cup,” he said. “So, here I am. I’m thinking about advancing further and fulfilling my dream of winning a World Cup with Spain.”
