Updated
Updated · The Analyst · Jul 2
Spain Thrash Austria 3-0 to Reach World Cup Last 16 as Oyarzabal Ends 16-Year Knockout Scoring Wait
Updated
Updated · The Analyst · Jul 2

Spain Thrash Austria 3-0 to Reach World Cup Last 16 as Oyarzabal Ends 16-Year Knockout Scoring Wait

3 articles · Updated · The Analyst · Jul 2

Summary

  • Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice and Pedro Porro added a header as Spain beat Austria 3-0 in Los Angeles for their first World Cup knockout win since the 2010 final.
  • 23 shots, 2.84 expected goals and 51 touches in Austria’s box underlined Spain’s control, while Austria failed to register a single shot on target.
  • Oyarzabal’s opener was Spain’s first World Cup knockout goal by one of their own players since Andres Iniesta in 2010, and Porro’s goal made it their first multi-goal knockout game since 1994.
  • Lamine Yamal still starred without scoring, becoming the first player at this World Cup to post 10 dribbles and 14 box touches in a match.
  • Spain, Opta’s pre-tournament favorites, next face Portugal or Croatia and have now kept clean sheets in all four matches at the 2026 tournament.

Insights

With a record-breaking defense and no Real Madrid stars, are Spain the true favorites for the World Cup?
Will Spain's dominant new era survive a clash with historic rival Portugal or the resilient Croatians?