Spain advanced to the round of 16 of the World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Austria in Los Angeles, United States.
Spain had been furious when Marc Cucurella’s goal was controversially disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper, but it was only a momentary reprieve for a spirited Austrian team.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring late in the first half, and there was no coming back.
Ralf Rangnick attempted to repeat the spectacular trick that secured his team’s position in the knockout rounds, turning to Sasa Kalajdzic, the stoppage-time hero against Algeria. The big striker came close to equalizing, but his header went over the crossbar.
Pedro Porro quickly doubled the lead by nodding in from close range, crushing Austria’s hopes of a comeback, and Oyarzabal capped the comfortable victory by converting Cucurella’s center to send a message to the other World Cup heavyweights.
Spain underperformed in the group stage and drew with Cape Verde. But Luis de la Fuente’s team has yet to concede a goal in this competition, and they are now 34 games unbeaten inside 90 minutes in competitive internationals.
Lamine Yamal demonstrated glimpses of his incredible talent at the other end of the pitch, and there is undoubtedly much more to come.
In the round of 16, Spain will play Portugal who earned a late 2-1 win over Croatia.
