Mikel Oyarzabal’s brace helped the European champions dominate Austria and advance to the round of 16.
Published July 2, 2026
Spain advanced to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup with an easy victory over Austria on Thursday, completely outscoring their opponents with Mikel Oyarzabal’s two goals and Pedro Polo’s header, resulting in a 3-0 knockout victory.
The European champions dominated the ball and sliced through the Austrian defense in a typical dominant performance in Los Angeles as Hollywood stars Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem and singer Rosalía cheered them on.
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The victory could have been by a much wider margin with a disallowed goal and a free-kick from the crates, but it sets up an attractive Round of 16 clash with either Portugal or Croatia.
Immediately after playing the full game, Oyarzabal said, “I’m happy that I was able to help the team and advance to the next round.I need to rest now.”
“They are a strong physical team and it was difficult to play against them, but we played a good game. We are happy to qualify,” he added.
Regarding his preference between Portugal and Croatia in Monday’s last-16 clash, Oyarzabal said: “It doesn’t matter who we play in the next round. I have friends in both teams.”
Oyarzabal sets the tone
Los Angeles Stadium was a sea of red-hot excitement for the first visit of a genuine World Cup favorite to America’s second-largest city.
Spain gradually increased the pressure in the first half, creating one chance after another after the first rehydration break.
Marc Cucurella thought he had scored from a corner kick from Lamine Yamal, but Pau Kvarsi was adjudged to have penetrated the Austrian goalkeeper.
Alexander Schlager then made a superb diving save to push Oyarzabal’s low shot around the post.
Austria’s defense finally gave way in the 36th minute. Pedri kicked the ball to the left and sent it to Kukreja, whose cross to Oyarzabal calmly side-footed it past the goalkeeper.
Spain’s advantage further increased as Yamal tormented the Austrians mainly from the right flank.
Alex Baena’s free kick hit the crossbar and Yamal’s follow-up shot from close range was well saved.
Austria missed a valuable chance at the other end. Romano Schmidt played in place of the late arriving free Stefan Posch, but with a poor first touch he lost the ball before attempting to shoot.
“Ole”
After the break, Spain continued to knock on the door without stopping the game completely.
Austria introduced two big strikers, Sasa Kalajdzic and Marko Arnautovic, and immediately fired long shots, with Kalajdzic’s header going over the bar.
However, in the 66th minute, Spain struck back again. Baena sent a cross over the head of Pedro Polo, who nodded in his first goal for Spain.
David Alaba from Yamal kept the score line respectable with tenacious defense, including a clearance near the goal line, but he was substituted and rested soon after.
With all eyes on Monday’s grueling test in Dallas, Spain sent a pass down the pitch in the final moments of the game, eliciting cries of “Oles” from the crowd.
In the 89th minute, Kukreja’s pinpoint cross found Oyarzabal, who was completely free in the penalty area, and Oyarzabal slotted the ball into the goal, sealing the victory.
