Spain produced yet another statement performance in the FIFA World Cup as they defeated Austria 3-0 in a comfortable Round of 32 clash with Mikel Oyarzabal’s brace and Pedro Porro’s maiden international goal ensuring a comfortable progression into the Round of 16.
Luis de la Fuente’s team dominated possession from the start but saw an early penalty claim turned down in the 11th minute. Lamine Yamal fell after a faint touch by makeshift defender Konrad Laimer inside the box, but the referee ruled there was not enough contact for penalty and the game continued.
The pace increased and the Spanish side looked dangerous, especially before the first hydration break. But the brief interruption was met with loud boos from some sections of the crowd after FIFA president Gianni Infantino appeared on the stadium’s giant screen. There has been a sense of frustration on hydration breaks by some experts and fans.
The European champions thought they had broken the deadlock in the 29th minute when Marc Cucurella converted a Yamal corner from close range. However, there was a foul on Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, and the referee immediately called the goal off.
Finally, in the 36th minute, Spain got the breakthrough. Cucurella galloped down the left and whipped in a low cross into the six-yard box where Mikel Oyarzabal met it perfectly to tap in his third goal of the tournament. The strike also underlined the forward’s incredible form, with only Erling Haaland having scored more international goals among European players since the beginning of 2025.
Spain ended any doubt of an upset midway through the second half with a move that highlighted their fluid football. Baena then cut to the back post, where Pedro Porro powered in a header to score his first international goal and complete a sweeping team move.
Oyarzabal put the gloss on an outstanding Spanish display by completing his brace in the 89th minute, finishing off another excellent Cucurella delivery. Yamal was lively and stayed dangerous throughout but was denied a goal on a number of occasions.
Spain’s constant pressure, crisp passing and clinical finishing proved too much for Austria with the Spaniards sending out a clear warning to the other contenders that De la Fuente’s side are the one of the big favourites to lift the trophy.
Spain will now face either Portugal or Croatia in the Round of 16.
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