Spain Thrashes Austria 3-0, Oyarzabal Scores Twice

2026 World Cup Key News

(CNA Los Angeles, July 2nd, Foreign News) Spain, a favorite to win this World Cup, demonstrated strong ball control and attacking prowess today. Star player Oyarzabal scored twice, leading the team to a 3-0 victory over Austria and advancing to the next round. This marks Spain's first knockout stage win since winning the World Cup in 2010.

Spain, departing from the conservative style criticized in the group stage, attacked with full force from the start of the match. The team had 11 shots in the first half alone, with 6 on target; Austria managed only 2 shots in the same period and had possession for only 30% of the time.

Spain created numerous scoring opportunities, but Austria held firm until the 36th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal finally broke the deadlock after multiple attempts. From then on, Spain controlled the midfield and maintained their offensive pressure, while Austria could only mount sporadic attacks.

At the start of the second half, Spain continued to dominate possession. Austria brought on two tall forwards in an attempt to counterattack. In the 61st minute, the 200cm-tall Sasa Kalajdzic launched an aerial assault, but the ball went over the crossbar.

Spain's sustained offensive pressure paid off again in the 66th minute. Pedro Porro headed home a cross from a teammate, extending the lead to 2-0. This was also his first goal for the national team.

Facing pressure to catch up, Austria pushed forward, leaving their defense vulnerable, which was exploited by 'La Furia Roja'. In the 89th minute, Marc Cucurella delivered a precise cross, and Oyarzabal, unmarked, scored his second goal of the match, putting Spain up 3-0, effectively sealing the win.

Spain drew their opening match of the World Cup against Cape Verde, showing a somewhat sluggish performance, but improved in each subsequent game. The match attracted Spanish star Penelope Cruz and singer Rosalia, with a total attendance of 70,492.

Having successfully advanced to the Round of 16, Spain will next face the winner of the match between Portugal and Croatia. (Compiled by: Qu Xiangping) 1150703

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