Spain ends knockout curse with dominant victory over Austria
Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice to lead Spain to a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium.This decisive win pushes Spain into the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Spain officially ended a 16-year wait for a definitive World Cup knockout victory, a frustrating streak stretching back to their 2010 championship run in South Africa.
Spain took total control right from kickoff and dominated the ball possession.Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 36th minute after receiving a perfectly timed pass from Marc Cucurella.Austria tried to find an equalizer but struggled to break through the highly organised Spanish defence.
Pedro Porro doubled the lead in the 66th minute with a powerful header off a precise cross from Alex Baena.This memorable moment marked Porro's very first goal for his national side.Oyarzabal then finished off Austria in the closing minutes, securing his second goal with another brilliant assist from Cucurella.
Teenage Duo Makes Football History
Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi started the match, creating a unique historical milestone on the global stage. They became the first under-20 pair to start a World Cup knockout match for the same nation since Pele and Jose Altafini played for Brazil in 1958. Their youthful energy kept the Austrian defence completely on edge throughout the entire game.
Unai Simon secured his fourth straight clean sheet of the tournament, leaving Spain completely unbreached in this competition.Austria exits the tournament proudly after reaching the knockout phase for the first time since 1954.Spain now travels to Dallas to face either Portugal or Croatia in their next intense knockout clash on July 6.
Image Courtesy: ANI
