A clinical brace from Mikel Oyarzabal led a dominant Spain to an emphatic 3-0 win over Austria at the SoFi Stadium on Friday, sealing their place in the last 16 of the World Cup. This marks Spain’s first win in a World Cup knockout match since their historic title-winning campaign in 2010.Right-back Pedro Porro also got on the scoresheet in the second half as La Roja produced their most impressive performance of the tournament, wowing the sell-out crowd with their trademark possession and attacking creativity.Spain’s defensive record remains impeccable, having also conceded a goal in the tournament. Goalkeeper Unai Simón cruised to his fourth straight match without having to make a single save as a relentless Spanish line prevented Austria from registering a single shot on target.The European champions unleashed their full attacking prowess after a rehydration break in the first half. In the 36th minute, Real Sociedad captain Oyarzabal found himself unmarked in the penalty area and hammered home a powerful pass from Marc Cucurella to break the deadlock.Spain doubled their lead in the 66th minute when Álex Baena broke and dropped a perfectly weighted cross to an incoming Porro, who buried an emphatic header to celebrate his first international goal. Oyarzabal then headed the masterclass in the 89th minute, latching on to another smart assist from Cucurella to make it his second of the night.Austria fought back bravely, with goalkeeper Alexander Schlager making six crucial saves, while defender David Alaba pulled off a spectacular goal-line clearance to deny 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal in the dying minutes. However, Ralf Rangnick’s side were ultimately outclassed.With this victory, Luis de la Fuente’s men extended their unbeaten run to 35 competitive matches. The comfortable victory firmly re-establishes Spain as heavy title contenders after disappointing exits in the last three editions of the tournament.Spain travel to Dallas on Monday to face the winner of the blockbuster clash between Portugal and Croatia in the Round of 16.
