By Izuchukwu Okosi
Mikel Oyarzabal scored a brace while Pedro Porro got the other goal as European champions Spain defeated Austria 3-0 Thursday evening to book their passage into the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Oyarzabal broke the deadlock in the minute as he scored his 16th goal in his 16th start for the Los Rojas.Real Madrid bound Marc Cucurella had a goal chalked off in the first half.
Alex Baena’s free kick midway into the first half hit the woodwork bit Lamine Yamal’s rebound was instinctively saved by Schalagar in goal for Austria.
Spain doubled their lead through Pedro Porro who headed home after Baena’s cross in the 66th minute.Chukwuemeka fired wide with 11 minutes left on the official match clock as his adopted Austria threatened with him receiving the ball in a pocket of space after good exchanges by his teammates.
Austria’s head coach Ralph Rangnick made two substitutions bringing on the duo of Marko Aurnatovic and Saša KalajdžićNigerian-born Carney Chukwuemeka was introduced earlier before the arrival of the latter players.
A few minutes after that, the brilliant Marcel Sabitzer floated a promising cross into the Spanish box but the ensuing Kala header failed to find the target.
Another Nigerian descent and Austria captain David Alaba blocked a shot on the goal line to deny Lamine Yamal before the Barcelona star was substituted off in place of Gavi.Ozayarbal scored his second and Spain’s third goal in the 89th minute.
The victory was Spain’s first World Cup knockout match since 2010 while it was Austria’s first knockout match at the tournament since 1954.Spain will play Portugal or Croatia in the next round on 6 July.
