Spain's Unbeaten Run Continues
Spain Advances to World Cup Quarterfinals with Oyarzabal's Historic Double and Unbeaten Defense
Key Points
Pedro Porro scored his first international goal for Spain, heading in from a Baena cross to make it 2-0 in the 66th minute against Austria.
Austria failed to register a shot on target in the match, underscoring Spain's lockdown defensive performance.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón extended his World Cup clean-sheet run to four consecutive matches.
Spain are set to play the Portugal–Croatia winner in the quarterfinals, with the game scheduled in Dallas on July 7.
The knockout match was played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, as part of Spain's continued surge in the tournament.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice as Spain demolished Austria 3-0 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, advancing to the World Cup Round of 16 with their defense still unblemished. The result was Spain's first knockout-stage win since lifting the trophy in 2010, and it was never in doubt — Austria failed to register a single shot on target. Macon.com reported that Spain extended their unbeaten match streak to 34 games and their win streak over European opponents to 35 years.
Oyarzabal made history in the process. He became the first Spanish player ever to score two or more goals in two different matches at a single World Cup, having already bagged a brace against Saudi Arabia in the group stage. Spain now advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of Portugal vs. Croatia on July 7 in Dallas.
Oyarzabal Cements His Place in Spanish Football History
Oyarzabal's double pushed him to the top of Spain's scoring charts for the tournament. His first goal came in the opening stages, giving Spain an early lead and setting the tone. He then sealed the win with a late strike, assisted by Cucurella. No Spanish player had ever scored multiple goals in two separate matches at the same World Cup — until now. Bradenton.com confirmed the historic milestone.
The Real Sociedad striker has been Spain's most lethal finisher at this tournament. His four goals across two multi-goal games make him the standout individual performer. Head coach Luis de la Fuente now has a reliable goalscorer just as the knockout rounds heat up.
Pedro Porro Opens His International Account in Style
Spain's second goal came in the 66th minute and it was a landmark moment for right back Pedro Porro. He headed home from a Baena cross to make it 2-0 — his first ever goal for the Spanish national team. The headed finish was clinical and gave Austria no hope of a comeback. Fresno Bee noted that Porro's strike came after Spain had already dominated possession throughout the match.
Unai Simón Keeps a Fourth Straight World Cup Clean Sheet
Austria did not test Spain's goalkeeper once. They failed to get a single shot on target across 90 minutes, a damning reflection of their attacking toothlessness. Unai Simón collected his fourth consecutive clean sheet of the tournament — a remarkable run that speaks to Spain's defensive organization. Idaho Statesman reported that Spain's backline has been as impressive as their attack during this run.
Spain have not conceded a goal across four matches. That combination of attacking firepower and defensive solidity is what makes them genuine contenders. Austria simply had no answer to Spain's pressing game and quick transitions.
Spain Eye Quarterfinal Clash With Portugal or Croatia
Spain's reward for beating Austria is a quarterfinal date in Dallas on July 7. Their opponents will be the winner of Portugal vs. Croatia. Both are dangerous sides — Portugal boast strong attacking talent, while Croatia are known for their resilience in knockout football. According to BND, Spain are still not at their very best, but this performance showed they are moving in the right direction at exactly the right time.
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