Mikel Oyarzabal scores twice as European champions deliver a commanding display to book a Round of 16 clash with either Portugal or Croatia

Spain national football team produced a dominant performance to defeat Austria national football team 3-0 on Thursday, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice and Pedro Porro adding a second-half header to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

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The comprehensive victory at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood extended Spain’s impressive defensive record, with goalkeeper Unai Simón keeping a fourth consecutive clean sheet as the European champions outclassed Austria from start to finish.

Spain will now face the winner of Thursday night’s Round of 32 clash between Portugal national football team and Croatia national football team in Dallas on Monday.

Luis de la Fuente’s side gradually tightened their grip on the contest before breaking the deadlock in the 36th minute. Pedri released Marc Cucurella down the left, and the full-back delivered a precise cross for Oyarzabal to calmly steer past goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

Spain had already threatened through a disallowed effort and an excellent save from Schlager, while Lamine Yamal consistently troubled Austria’s defence with his pace and creativity on the right flank.

Austria’s best opportunity before the interval fell to Stefan Posch, but a poor first touch allowed Spain’s defence to recover before he could test Simón.

The Austrians attempted to change the momentum after the restart by introducing towering forwards Sasa Kalajdzic and Marko Arnautović, but Spain quickly regained complete control.

The second goal arrived in the 66th minute when Álex Baena floated a cross into the penalty area and Porro rose highest to head home his first international goal.

Austria captain David Alaba produced a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Yamal as Spain continued to create chances, while Baena also struck the crossbar from a free-kick during another wave of sustained pressure.

The match was effectively settled in the closing stages when Cucurella delivered another pinpoint cross for an unmarked Oyarzabal, who clinically finished in the 89th minute to complete his brace and seal Spain’s emphatic victory.

The crowd, which included actors Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, as well as singer Rosalía, responded with chants of “Olé” as Spain comfortably saw out the closing minutes.

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The result marks Spain’s first victory in a World Cup knockout match since lifting the trophy in 2010 and reinforces its status as one of the favourites to challenge for the title in the United States, Canada and Mexico.