Oyarzabal double seals Spain’s last-16 spot: What next vs Portugal or Croatia?

Spain’s World Cup campaign remains on course after a controlled 3-0 victory over Austria in Los Angeles, with Mikel Oyarzabal’s second-half brace and Pedro Porro’s header sealing a last-16 tie against either Portugal or Croatia. The result keeps Luis de la Fuente’s side unbeaten in the tournament so far and sets up a blockbuster clash that could define their path to the knockout stages.

Oyarzabal’s finishing puts Spain in control

Oyarzabal’s first goal, a calm finish after a flowing team move, arrived in the 55th minute and set the tone for a dominant display. His second, a tap-in in stoppage time, completed a polished attacking performance that rarely looked under threat. The Real Sociedad forward now has 16 goals in his last 17 appearances for Spain, a run that underscores his importance to this side. His composure under pressure contrasted with Austria’s disjointed defending, which struggled to contain Spain’s patient build-up and incisive passing.

Porro’s header, a late addition in the first half, provided the initial breakthrough and gave Spain a foothold in the game. The Tottenham right-back’s movement from deep highlighted Spain’s willingness to exploit width, while Lamine Yamal’s direct runs repeatedly tested Austria’s backline. Though Yamal didn’t add to his tally, his presence ensured Spain’s attack remained unpredictable, a key factor in their progression.

Portugal or Croatia: which test awaits?

Spain’s next opponent will be decided by the winner of Monday’s clash between Portugal and Croatia in Arlington. The Portuguese, led by Cristiano Ronaldo in what could be his final World Cup appearance, navigated their group with a mix of experience and emerging talent. Meanwhile, Croatia’s resilient campaign, including a dramatic draw against Algeria to advance, suggests they remain a side capable of upsetting higher-ranked opponents. Colombia’s group-stage dominance and Portugal’s second-place finish in Group K add further intrigue to the potential matchup.

Austria, despite their late resurgence in the group stage, were overwhelmed by Spain’s technical superiority. Their defensive frailties were exposed repeatedly, particularly in transitions where Spain’s midfield trio of Pedri, Gavi, and Rodri dictated tempo. The Austrians’ late fightback in their group clash with Algeria, where they snatched a draw in stoppage time, proved their resilience, but against a Spain side that has conceded just once in the tournament, such heroics looked unlikely to repeat.

Tactical clarity and depth on display

Spain’s performance reinforced their identity: controlled possession, rapid transitions, and positional rotations that stretched opponents. The full-backs, Porro and Cucurella, provided crucial width, while the midfield trio shielded the defence and recycled play efficiently. Substitutes like Gavi and Fabian Ruiz offered fresh legs and creativity, demonstrating the squad’s depth. The introduction of Marc Pubill and Ruiz late on, replacing Laporte and Pedri, showed de la Fuente’s confidence in his bench options.

Austria’s approach lacked the same cohesion. Their attempts to press Spain high up the pitch were disrupted by Spain’s quick passing, and their attacks often broke down in transition. The introduction of Alexander Prass for Stefan Posch offered little in attack, and their final flourish—a late header from Posch—arrived when the game was already decided. Spain’s ability to maintain composure under pressure, even when dominating possession, remains their greatest asset.

With a potential quarter-final berth on the line, Spain now face a tactical puzzle: adapt to Portugal’s individual brilliance or confront Croatia’s disciplined collective. Ronaldo’s presence alone would demand a different approach, while Croatia’s midfield battle against Spain’s engine room could decide the tie. One thing is certain: Spain’s World Cup ambitions remain very much alive, and their next opponent will have to be at their very best to end their campaign.