Oyarzabal scores twice as Spain dominates Austria in World Cup knockout | World Cup 2026 news

Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal allows the European champions to dominate Austria and advance to the round of 16.

Spain moved past Austria and into the FIFA World Cup on Thursday, defeating their opponents in a 3-0 defeat, with a goal from Mikel Oyarzabal and a Pedro Porro header.

The European players guided and guided the Austrian defense in a series of games in Los Angeles, while Hollywood stars Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem and the singer Rosalia cheered.

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The win, which could have been more impressive – with a disallowed goal and a free-kick on the posts – sets up a thrilling round of 16 showdown with either Portugal or Croatia.

“I’m happy to help the team and move on to the next round. Now we need to rest,” Oyarzabal said after full time.

“They were a physical and difficult side to play against, but we played well. We’re happy we made it,” he added.

As for whether he would prefer Portugal or Croatia in the last 16 on Monday, Oyarzabal said: “It doesn’t matter who we meet in the next round; I have friends in both groups.”

Oyarzabal sets the tone

The Los Angeles Stadium was a sea of ​​red and excitement for the beloved first visit of the second World Cup to the second city of the US.

Spain gradually increased the pressure in the first half, creating several chances after the first break.

Marc Cucurella thought he had scored from Lamine Yamal’s corner, but Pau Cubarsi was adjudged to have stepped on the Austrian goal.

Alexander Schlager then made the best save, pushing Oyarzabal’s shot round the post.

Austria’s defense collapsed in the 36th minute. Pedri fired the ball to Cucurella’s left, whose pass from Oyarzabal calmly went past the goalkeeper.

Spain’s dominance grew, as Yamal harassed the Austrians, especially from the right flank.

Alex Baena’s free kick hit the crossbar, and Yamal’s subsequent shot from close range was well saved.

Austria denied a rare chance at the other end. Romano Schmid played in the late and unknown Stefan Posch, but a poor first touch meant he lost the ball before attempting to shoot.

‘oh’

After the break, Spain continued to knock on the door without stopping the game.

Austria sent on two giant strikers, Sasa Kalajdzic and Marko Arnautovic, and immediately took a long shot, Kalajdzic headed over the bar.

But in the 66th minute, Spain struck again. Baena lifted the cross over the head of Pedro Porro, who nodded in his first goal in Spain.

Some aggressive defending made the goals respectable, including David Alaba’s goal clearance from Yamal, who was substituted for the break later.

Spain sprayed seeds around the field as the final minutes ticked down, drawing the “Oles” into the crowd, as attention turned to Monday’s tough test in Dallas.

In the 89th minute, Cucurella’s pinpoint cross found an unmarked Oyarzabal in the penalty area, who slotted the ball home to seal the victory.