Mikel Oyarzabal’s clinical brace powered a dominant Spain to an impressive 3-0 win over Austria at the SoFi Stadium on Friday, sealing their place in the last 16 of the World Cup. This is Spain’s first win in a World Cup knockout match since their historic title 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, mesmerizing the sell-out crowd with their signature possession and attacking creativity.Spain’s defensive record remains spotless, having yet to concede a goal in the tournament. Goalkeeper Unai Simón reached his fourth consecutive goal without a single save as Spain’s relentless back line prevented Austria from registering a single shot on goal.The European champions unleashed their full attacking power after a first-half hydration break. In the 36th minute, Real Sociedad captain Oyarzabal found himself unmarked in the penalty area and tapped in a sharp pass from Marco Cucurella to break the deadlock.Spain doubled their lead in the 66th minute when Álex Baena broke through and perfectly balanced a cross to the oncoming Porro, who celebrated his first international goal with a header. Oyarzabal then completed a masterclass in the 89th minute, latching on to another smart assist from Cucurella to bag his second of the night.Austria fought bravely, with goalkeeper Alexander Schlager making six key saves, while defender David Alaba produced a spectacular goal-line save to keep out 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal in the dying minutes. However, Ralf Rangnick’s team was outclassed in the end.With this victory, Luis de la Fuente’s players extended their unbeaten streak to 35 competitive games. The comfortable win puts Spain firmly back among the title contenders after disappointing exits in the last three editions of the tournament.Spain now travel to Dallas on Monday where they will face the winner of the blockbuster match between Portugal and Croatia in the Round of 16.
