INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Lamine Yamal expressed confidence this week, stating, “Once we reach our level—and we will—we’ll be nearly unstoppable.”
Despite not appearing invincible, Spain showcased glimpses of their talent in a 3-0 victory over Austria during the FIFA World Cup round of 32 on Thursday, signaling a warning to other teams in the tournament.
In their three group matches, Spain had seemed to be operating at half capacity, hindered by injuries and disrupted by opponents who stifled their rhythm. Although there were flashes of brilliance—highlighted by Yamal contributing four goals against Saudi Arabia—they lacked a cohesive unit.
The reigning European champions needed this victory as proof of their potential and prowess when faced with competitive opposition.
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The players acknowledge that the expectations for Spain are consistently high. “We’re the only national team that’s truly expected to perform exceptionally,” Yamal remarked in the same radio interview. “For other teams, just winning is sufficient.”
While teams like Brazil might contest that notion, Spain’s track record and consistent performances at the World Cup highlight the importance of this victory.
Since their 2010 World Cup victory, Spain’s history in knockout-stage matches has been disappointing. In three World Cups since, they have failed to win a knockout match, with a group stage exit in 2014, losing to Russia in the round of 16 in 2018, and falling to Morocco on penalties in 2022.
However, two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and another from Pedro Porro ensured Spain’s return to knockout success as they advanced to the round of 16 in this expanded tournament.
Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 36th minute, netting the first World Cup knockout goal for Spain since Andrés Iniesta’s legendary extra-time winner in the 2010 final. For a nation renowned for its elite talent and dominance in European football, such a drought is remarkable.
While Yamal frequently garners all the attention—his presence was evident as he smiled for the cameras pre-match—Oyarzabal’s contributions are equally vital. His statistics speak volumes: 17 goals and six assists in his last 17 appearances for Spain, while he has been directly involved in five of their eight goals in this World Cup, with four goals and an assist. Only six players in Spain’s history have scored more goals.
Austria started strong, applying a pressing style under coach Ralf Rangnick, which played to Spain’s advantage. Yamal was eager to make a mark, taking an early shot in the second minute and urging the crowd to support Spain after a blocked cross just minutes later.
Cucurella had a goal disallowed for a foul by Pau Cubarsí on Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. Oyarzabal came close again before finally putting Spain ahead. It was a narrow 1-0 lead, but it felt as if Spain were hitting their stride, with Austria struggling to keep pace.
“We were in the game as long as it was 1-0,” Rangnick reflected afterward. “We approached it bravely, but we faced a great opponent. Against anyone else, we might have had a chance to advance.”
A free-kick from Álex Baena struck the bar, while Yamal’s follow-up was saved. In the second half, the disparity in quality became evident.
Porro’s header from Baena’s cross extended Spain’s lead to 2-0, and it became clear that any chance of an Austrian comeback had vanished. Yamal continued to seek a goal, with a shot cleared off the line, before Oyarzabal scored again, showing great synergy with Cucurella. Porro guided a cross behind the defense for Oyarzabal to finish effortlessly.
This performance validated coach Luis de la Fuente’s confidence in his team, despite their slow tournament start. “With each passing day, I grow more confident. I’ve always believed in this team. For me, they are the best in the world.” He praised this match as “almost perfect.”
This judgment will be put to the test in the round of 16 and beyond. Yet, the potential of this Spain team—led by Yamal and Oyarzabal, with Baena, Cucurella, and Porro supporting—has become undeniable.
Yamal summed it up well post-match: “The World Cup starts now. If you lose, you’re out. None of us want that.”