Spain produced a commanding display of attacking football to defeat Austria 3-0 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup pre-quarterfinals, extending their unbeaten run with a thoroughly convincing performance.
The Spaniards dominated from the opening whistle, overwhelming Austria with relentless attacking moves and creating chances at regular intervals. Goals in the 36th, 66th and 89th minutes sealed a comfortable victory in a match that showcased Spain’s technical superiority and attacking depth.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was at the heart of Spain’s early dominance, tormenting the Austrian defence with his pace and creativity down the right flank. He nearly opened the scoring in the very first minute, but Austria’s goalkeeper produced a fine save. David Olmo and Aymeric Laporte also came close within the opening 10 minutes, only to be denied by another series of impressive stops from the Austrian custodian.
Austria struggled to cope with Spain’s sustained pressure, although David Alaba attempted to inspire his side with a long-range effort in the 35th minute. Moments later, however, Spain found the breakthrough.
In the 36th minute, Mikel Oyarzabal finished off a perfectly weighted cross from Marc Cucurella after being left unmarked inside the penalty area, calmly placing the ball into the net to give Spain a deserved lead.
Spain continued to dictate play after the opener, with Yamal and Oyarzabal repeatedly threatening the Austrian goal. Austria had a late opportunity before halftime but failed to convert, allowing Spain to take a 1-0 advantage into the break.
The first-half statistics underlined Spain’s dominance. They registered 11 shots, six of them on target, while Austria failed to produce a single effort on goal.
Spain maintained the same intensity after the restart. Austria coach Ralf Rangnick introduced veteran striker Marko Arnautovic in an attempt to inject life into his attack, but Spain remained firmly in control. Olmo and Yamal continued to create openings as Austria struggled to contain the Spanish movement.
The second goal arrived in the 66th minute when Álex Baena delivered an inviting cross and Oyarzabal rose above the defence to head home, effectively ending Austria’s hopes of a comeback.
Spain completed the rout in the 89th minute. Cucurella, influential throughout the match, delivered another pinpoint cross that Oyarzabal converted to complete his hat-trick and seal a 3-0 victory.
Austria failed to mount any meaningful response during six minutes of added time, as Spain comfortably saw out the match to advance to the World Cup pre-quarterfinals with an emphatic and unbeaten record.
