Spain shift into full gear

Spain secured a confident passage to the last 16 with a composed 3-0 victory over Austria, gradually tightening their grip before converting superiority into goals. The breakthrough arrived when Pedri glided through midfield and released Marc Cucurella, whose precise low cross allowed Mikel Oyarzabal to finish clinically. Austria threatened sporadically, particularly through Marcel Sabitzer’s set pieces and the aerial presence of Sasa Kalajdzic and Marko Arnautovic, yet Spain consistently appeared sharper and more assured in decisive areas. 

Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena repeatedly stretched Austria’s defensive structure, while Xaver Schlager and David Alaba delayed further damage with key interventions. Spain’s control deepened when Pedro Porro headed in unmarked from a Baena delivery after sustained pressure. Marc Pubill later earned his World Cup debut as Spain dictated the tempo. Oyarzabal then completed the win, again finishing from a Cucurella assist, sealing a performance that showcased Spain’s rising rhythm and growing confidence.