By Daniel Akinte
Mikel Oyarzabal struck either side of half-time with goals in the 36th and 89th minutes, while Pedro Porro added a fine second in the 66th minute. Marc Cucurella provided assists for both of Oyarzabal’s goals, while Álex Baena set up Porro after another influential display.
La Roja dominated possession from the opening whistle, pinning Austria deep inside their own half. Lamine Yamal repeatedly threatened down the right flank, while Rodri, Pedri and Baena controlled midfield as Austria struggled to gain a foothold.
Oyarzabal eventually broke the deadlock after finishing off Cucurella’s cross, before Porro doubled the advantage midway through the second half. Oyarzabal sealed the emphatic victory late on with his second goal after another excellent delivery from Cucurella.
Spain will now face either Portugal or Croatia in the round of 16.
Reactions
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy praised Spain’s control throughout the contest, saying he was eager to watch the European champions dominate possession.
“I am fascinated to see Spain in the flesh. You imagine they will dominate possession,” he said before kick-off.
As the game progressed, Murphy highlighted Álex Baena’s impact, describing him as “super sharp,” and later praised Spain’s fluid attacking play, adding that Austria “lacked the quality” to compete in midfield.
Murphy also questioned the decision to disallow Cucurella’s first-half goal.
“I don’t think that should be disallowed. There is nothing in that at all,” he said.
Former England striker Dion Dublin hailed Spain’s midfield control, noting that “Rodri is just starting to dictate play with Pedri by the side of him.”
He later described Spain’s pressure as “relentless.”
“There is so much quality out there in red shirts. They just look so fluid,” Dublin said, while praising Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager for an “outstanding first half.”
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart believed Spain were excellent throughout and singled out Lamine Yamal for another impressive display.
“Spain have been brilliant and Yamal has got more and more into the game,” Hart said.
On the disallowed goal, Hart felt the decision was overly harsh.
“It’s really not a foul. It’s really soft. It’s just people challenging for the ball.”
Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger said Austria struggled whenever Yamal was in possession.
“Austria’s players are scared every time Lamine Yamal gets the ball,” he observed.
Discussing the controversial disallowed goal, Hitzlsperger added that FIFA’s interpretation of contact with goalkeepers had become far stricter.
Former Austria defender Christian Fuchs was encouraged by his country’s display despite the defeat.
“I’m not disappointed with Austria’s performance. They’re waiting for their moments more. I like what they are showing,” he said at half-time, while suggesting Marko Arnautovic could have provided a stronger outlet in attack.
Ahead of the game, Spain defender Alejandro Grimaldo warned his teammates not to underestimate any opponent after the shock eliminations of Germany and the Netherlands.
“You have to stay focused and respect eve…
