Spain eased into the spherical of 16 of the World Cup with a cushty 3-0 win over Austria in Los Angeles.
Spain had been annoyed to see Marc Cucurella’s purpose controversially disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper but it surely was solely a short lived reprieve for a spirited Austria aspect. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring late within the first half and there was no approach again.
Ralf Rangnick did try to tug off the identical dramatic trick that earned his crew their place within the knockout levels – turning to Sasa Kalajdzic, the stoppage-time hero in opposition to Algeria. The tall striker got here near an equaliser however headed over the bar this time.
Pedro Porro doubled the benefit quickly after by nodding in from shut vary to crush Austria’s hopes of a comeback and Oyarzabal sealed the convincing victory by changing Cucurella’s centre to ship a message to the opposite World Cup heavyweights.
Spain have been a bit of underwhelming within the group stage, famously drawing with Cape Verde. However Luis de la Fuente’s aspect are but to concede a purpose at this event and his crew at the moment are 34 video games unbeaten inside 90 minutes in aggressive internationals.
With Lamine Yamal confirmed glimpses of his astonishing high quality on the different finish of the pitch, there may be certainly far more to return. If Spain can proceed to be strong on the again then they’ve the expertise to take higher groups aside. It’s Portugal or Croatia up subsequent.
The important thing moments from Los Angeles…
30 – DISALLOWED GOAL! Cucurella denied for a ‘foul’ on the goalkeeper.
37 – GOAL! Oyarzabal slotted residence to provide Spain a deserved lead.
61 – CHANCE! Kalajdzic near levelling however heads over together with his first contact.
66 – GOAL! Porro nods in from Baena’s cross to double the benefit.
89 – GOAL! Oyarzabal transformed his second from Cucurella’s centre.
Evaluation: Oyarzabal key for Spain
Alvaro Morata captained Spain to victory at Euro 2024 however scored solely as soon as in seven appearances, six of them begins. Luis de la Fuente’s aspect have been a bit of extra fluent at that event than at this one up to now however Oyarzabal is a really totally different proposition.
The Actual Sociedad ahead scored the winner in opposition to England off the bench within the ultimate in 2024, after all, and since usurping Morata has confirmed himself a deadly finisher. These have been his third and fourth targets of the World Cup. He offers Spain one other dimension.
Oyarzabal: Pleased to assist the crew
Spain high scorer Mikel Oyarzabal:
“I’m happy to help the team and get through to the next round. Now we need to rest. They were a physical side and difficult to play against, but we played a good match.
“We’re comfortable to qualify. It would not matter who we face within the subsequent spherical – I’ve pals in each groups.”
De la Fuente: We can do better!
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente:
“We knew it will be an vital match, particularly on this knockout stage. We had the earlier video games in thoughts and, in each facet, we have been virtually excellent.
“But there are still a few little things to improve. We can always do better. Every match is going to be more difficult than the last. We need to keep this mentality.”
