Spain showed why they are favourites to win the FIFA World Cup title after a dominant performance to defeat Austria 3-0 and make it to the Round of 16, with last Thursday’s game now in their sights. A fine brace by Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro’s first international goal sealed an impressive victory for the European champions who controlled the affair from start to finish at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The Spanish side showed their signature possession-based football, patiently building attacks while Austria remained in the shadows for most of the night. A star-laden crowd watched the performance with Hollywood actors Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, and Spanish music sensation Rosalia watching Luis de la Fuente's men.
Spain's victory also sets up a much anticipated Round-of-16 match with either Portugal or Croatia, potentially one of the most exciting knockout matches of the tournament.
Austria was able to keep Spain on the sideline in the first half but the European champions gradually consolidated their grip on proceedings. Their first breakthrough appeared to have come when a Lamine Yamal corner found Marc Cucurella in the back of the net but the goal was ruled out after Pau Cubarsi was thought to have crossed the line from Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
Despite the loss, Spain still had possession and chances. Schlager had to make an excellent diving save to stop Oyarzabal in the 36th minute before Spain finally broke the deadlock. Pedri made a wonderful diagonal pass to Cucurella whose perfectly weighted cross found Oyarzabal in the box. The striker calmly headed the ball past the goalkeeper to take Spain to a decent lead at halftime.
Spain emerged even stronger after the break with the teenage sensation Lamine Yamal almost impossible to contain. The winger stretched Austria's defence with his pace, dribbling and creativity, but Alex Baena almost doubled the lead when his free-kick went against the crossbar. Yamal's rebound effort was also brilliantly denied by Schlager.
Austria tried to inject fresh energy into the contest by bringing in towering forwards Sasa Kalajdzic and Marko Arnautovic and switching to a more direct style of play. Kalajdzic had a chance at goal with a header but it went over the crossbar as Spain still commanded every department and territory in the game.
The second goal finally came in the 66th minute. Alex Baena sent a wonderful cross into the penalty area and Pedro Porro timed his run to perfection before he powered a header into the net for his first international goal. The strike effectively ended Austria’s hopes of a comeback.
Spain continued to entertain the crowd with slick passing and intelligent movement. Loud chants of “Ole” were heard from the fans. David Alaba prevented an even heavier defeat by clearing Lamine Yamal’s effort off the goal line while the Barcelona youngster was substituted to keep his fitness for the knockout stage.
The final flourish came in the last moments of the match. Marc Cucurella, who had an excellent game through the left-hand side, delivered another inch-perfect cross to the box. Oyarzabal was totally unmarked and made no mistake, slotting home his second goal of the night in the 89th minute to complete a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
The result also solidified Spain’s credentials as genuine World Cup contenders. Their midfield kept the tempo of the game in check throughout the match, the defence was able to keep the ball in play, the defence stood firm and the attack put on a good show in front of goal. And Spain’s players who are experienced and young players, such as Lamine Yamal, with young ones like Lamine Yamal and others like that have been adding momentum at the right time. Spain is getting momentum at the right moment.
After the victory over Austria, Luis de la Fuente's side will now have to deal with what might prove to be a much more difficult assignment in the Round of 16 as Portugal or Croatia will meet. If Spain can continue playing the type of football they did in Los Angeles, they are going to be one of the favorite teams to win the World Cup at this stage.
