Spain 3-0 Austria Spain produced their most complete performance of the FIFA World Cup so far on Thursday, sweeping aside Austria 3-0 to book their place in the last 16 and underline their credentials as genuine title contenders. Two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and a superb strike from Pedro Porro sealed a dominant victory in Los Angeles, where Luis de la Fuente's side combined defensive solidity with the fluent, possession-based football that has long defined Spanish success. The reward is a mouth-watering last-16 clash against either Portugal or Croatia. Before the match, teenage star Lamine Yamal had insisted that the World Cup starts now, and Spain played with exactly that sense of purpose. Having looked efficient rather than spectacular during the group stage, La Roja raised their level when it mattered most, overwhelming an Austrian side that simply could not cope with their movement, intensity and precision in possession. Spain also recorded a fourth consecutive clean sheet, with goalkeeper Unai Simón surpassing Iker Casillas' national record for consecutive minutes without conceding at a World Cup. At the heart of the defence, Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte once again delivered an assured performance, continuing what has been one of the tournament's standout central defensive partnerships. An intriguing duel between Konrad Laimer and Lamine Yamal developed almost immediately, with the Austrian midfielder tasked with containing Spain's teenage sensation while still providing an attacking outlet for his own side. Austria threatened sporadically on the counterattack, with Marcel Sabitzer's dangerous delivery narrowly evading Michael Gregoritsch after Pau Cubarsí was caught underneath the flight of the ball. But as the first half wore on, Spain tightened their grip. Dani Olmo went close with a volley before Laporte headed narrowly over from a corner as the pressure steadily mounted. The breakthrough finally arrived before the interval. After another flowing Spanish move carved open the Austrian defence, Oyarzabal applied a composed finish to give his side a deserved lead. The goal transformed the contest. Spain returned after the break with even greater confidence, moving the ball with speed and purpose while pinning Austria deep inside their own half. Their dominance was rewarded when Pedro Porro surged forward and rifled a superb strike into the net to double the advantage, effectively ending Austria's hopes of a comeback. Any lingering doubt disappeared when Oyarzabal grabbed his second of the afternoon, finishing another slick passing move to cap a clinical display from the 2023 UEFA Nations League winners. By the closing stages, Spain were in complete control, enjoying long spells of possession as Austria chased shadows. It was comfortably La Roja's finest performance of the tournament and a timely reminder of why they remain among the favourites to lift the trophy. With four straight clean sheets, an attack beginning to click and young stars such as Yamal continuing to shine alongside experienced campaigners, Spain appear to be peaking at exactly the right moment. Their next challenge promises to be considerably tougher against either Portugal or Croatia, but if Thursday's performance is any indication, Spain have rediscovered the form that once made them world champions.
