Spain eased into the World Cup last 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria on Thursday, producing another polished display as Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice and Pedro Porro added a second-half header.
The European champions dominated possession and repeatedly carved open the Austrian defence in a one-sided contest at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where Hollywood stars Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem and singer Rosalía were among those cheering them on.
The margin of victory could easily have been greater. Spain had a goal ruled out, struck the woodwork and forced several fine saves, setting up a tantalising round-of-16 showdown with either Portugal or Croatia.
SoFi Stadium was awash in red as fans welcomed one of the tournament favourites for their first World Cup appearance in America’s second-largest city.
Spain gradually tightened their grip during the opening half, creating a succession of chances after the first hydration break.
Marc Cucurella believed he had opened the scoring from a Lamine Yamal corner, but Pau Cubarsí was ruled to have impeded Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
Schlager then produced an outstanding diving save to tip Oyarzabal’s low effort around the post.
Austria’s resistance finally broke in the 36th minute. Pedri switched play to Cucurella on the left, and the full-back delivered a precise cross for Oyarzabal, who calmly side-footed past Schlager.
Spain’s dominance only intensified after the breakthrough, with Yamal tormenting Austria down the right flank.
Alex Baena rattled the crossbar with a free kick before Yamal’s close-range follow-up was brilliantly saved.
Austria squandered their best opportunity just before the break when Romano Schmid found the unmarked Stefan Posch bursting into the area, but the defender’s heavy first touch allowed Spain to recover before he could get a shot away.
Spain in complete control
Spain continued to dictate proceedings after the restart but initially struggled to deliver the decisive second goal.
Austria responded by introducing towering forwards Sasa Kalajdzic and Marko Arnautovic, immediately adopting a more direct approach. Kalajdzic’s header, however, drifted over the crossbar.
Spain doubled their advantage in the 66th minute. Baena floated an inviting cross into the box and Pedro Porro rose highest to head home his first international goal.
Austria defended resolutely to prevent an even heavier defeat, with David Alaba making a superb goal-line clearance to deny Yamal before the teenage winger was substituted to preserve his energy.
As the clock wound down, Spain confidently passed the ball around the pitch, drawing loud cries of “Olé” from the crowd as thoughts turned to Monday’s tougher test in Dallas.
Oyarzabal completed the scoring in the 89th minute, ghosting into space to meet another pinpoint Cucurella cross before calmly slotting home his second goal of the evening.
AFP
