Austria's attempts were in vain: Rangnick's team easy prey for Spain
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Reading Time: 4min | Thu. 02.07.26. | 23:59
In one of the most one-sided matches in the 2026 World Cup knockout phase, La Roja easily brushed aside Austria 3-0
The opening goalless draw against Cabo Verde was a shock for Spain. However, things seem to have fallen into place.
La Roja eventually topped their group and tonight easily overcame the first obstacle in the knockout phase at the 2026 World Cup, defeating Austria 3-0.
One goal in the first and two in the second half - scored by Mikel Oyarzabal (brace) and Pedro Porro - were enough for Luis de la Fuente’s team’s comfortable win, though the rivals significantly helped them with their lackluster performance.
Spanish defence seemed rock-solid - mainly because of Austria’s toothless offensive display - while their attack did what it does best: weave the web around the rivals’ box until they find a way through.
Oyarzabal was terrific, while Lamine Yamal dribbled a lot - some would say too much - and caused trouble to the opposing defenders, though he didn’t make any concrete impact and was selfish on several occasions. Against stronger rivals - like Portugal or Croatia in the Round of 16 - he’ll have to be more of a team player. Against Austria, both his and Spain’s displays were good enough.
FT : Spain 3-0 Austria
— Just Football (@JustFootball_20) July 2, 2026
SPAIN ARE THROUGH TO THE ROUND OF 16 AFTER A COMFORTABLE VICTORY OVER AUSTRIA 🇪🇸✅️.
AUSTRIA ARE ELIMINATED FROM THE WORLD CUP 🇦🇹❌️.#ESPAUT pic.twitter.com/x2lhzYzcxC
Even though the clash at SoFi Stadium kicked off at 10 pm, it didn't really start until the first hydration break midway through the first half. Until then, literally nothing notable happened.
Afterward, fireworks began.
Lamine Yamal kept tormenting Konrad Laimer and the entire Austrian defence, running riot over the right flank, though apart from a couple of breathtaking moves, the youngster produced no goal-scoring chance.
However, Marc Cucurella and Mikel Oyarzabal were there to step in.
The new Real Madrid defender seemed to have broken the deadlock in the 29th minute after a corner kick, but his goal was disallowed for Pau Cubarsi's foul on the Austria keeper Alexander Schlager, who superbly denied Oyarzabal's effort four minutes later.
Nevertheless, in the 36th minute, there was no mistake for the Real Sociedad captain.
Cucurella sent a low cross into the box, where the striker swept the ball into the net with a first-time finish, scoring his 11th goal in his last 10 appearances for Spain!
La Roja's advantage at the break could have been more convincing, as Alex Baena hit the bar from a free kick in added time, while Schlager made another point-blank save in a duel against Yamal.
The Spaniards continued weaving the web around the rivals' box, but like in the first half, they couldn't create a proper goal-scoring opportunity, as all of their attempts came from outside the box and most of them were blocked.
On the other hand, aware that his team has nothing to lose, Ralf Rangnick subbed on two strikers, Marko Arnautovic and the two-metre-tall Sasa Kalajdzic, trying to explore their strength and height.
However, only minutes later, Austria's fate was sealed.
La Roja's attack in the 66th minute was long. The ball went around the penalty area from one side to another, until it came to Baena on the left side. The Atletico Madrid forward crossed the ball inside, where - believe it or not - the right-back Pedro Porro burst into the box and headed the ball into the net, doubling his team's lead and putting the game beyond doubt.
After La Roja's second goal, the pace of the match became much slower. The European champions still controlled the game, but everyone was simply looking forward to the referee's final whistle.
Yamal was close to scoring his second goal in the tournament in the 85th minute, but David Alaba denied his effort with a goal-line clearance. Four minutes later, Oyarzabal completed a brace and put the cherry on top of his side's win, again after Cucurella's assist.
In the Round of 16, De la Fuente's team will face either Portugal or Croatia, whose head-to-head clash (02.00) will decide the next Spain's rival. Whoever triumphs tonight, a blockbuster clash will be upon us.
WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE
Round of 32
Sunday
South Africa - Canada 0-1 (0-0)
/Eustaquio 90+2/
Monday
Brazil - Japan 2-1 (0-1)
/Casemiro 56, Martinelli 90+5 - Sano 29/
Germany - Paraguay 3-4 on penalties (0-1)
/Havertz 54 - Enciso 42/
Tuesday
Netherlands - Morocco 2-3 on penalties (1-1)
/Gakpo 72 - Diop 90+1/
Ivory Coast - Norway 1-2 (0-1)
/Diallo 74 - Nusa 39, Haaland 86/
France - Sweden 3-0 (1-0)
/Mbappe 45, 74 Barcola 53/
Wednesday
Mexico - Ecuador 2-0 (2-0)
/Quinones 22, Jimenez 31/
England - DR Congo 2-1 (0-1)
/Kane 75, 86 - Cipenga 7/
Belgium - Senegal 3-2 a.e.t. (2-2)
/Lukaku 86, Tielemans 89, 120+5 pen - Diarra 25, Sarr I. 51/
Thursday
USA - B&H 2-0 (1-0)
/Balogun 45, Tillman 82/
Spain - Austria 3-0 (1-0)
/Oyarzabal 36, 89, Porro 66/
Friday
02.00: (1.95) Portugal (3.40) Croatia (4.10)
06.00: (1.95) Switzerland (3.45) Algeria (4.00)
21.00: (3.15) Australia (2.95) Egypt (2.55)
Saturday
01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0)
04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50)
***odds are subject to change***