Spain took a 1-0 lead into half-time against Austria in their World Cup Round of 32 clash in Los Angeles after Mikel Oyarzabal capped a dominant first-half display with his third goal of the tournament.
Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled possession from the opening whistle and pinned Austria deep inside their own half. Lamine Yamal fired the first effort of the match inside two minutes before Spain built sustained pressure through corners and wide attacks.
Austria struggled to break through Spain’s press and spent much of the opening half defending around their own penalty area. Dani Olmo came close with a fierce volley and Yamal saw penalty appeals dismissed after going down inside the box.
Spain repeatedly found space down the flanks, with Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella stretching Austria’s back line. Oyarzabal almost got in earlier after Alex Baena clipped a pass into the area, but Kevin Danso used his strength to halt the danger.
Austria offered little in attack and did not register an effort until David Alaba drove a speculative strike over the crossbar after 32 minutes. Marcel Sabitzer delivered a dangerous cross earlier in the half, but Michael Gregoritsch could not make contact.
The breakthrough arrived after 35 minutes and reflected Spain’s control. Cucurella drove a low pass into the area from the left and Oyarzabal guided a composed finish into the bottom corner.
Spain nearly doubled the lead before the interval. Patrick Schlager denied Yamal from a tight angle, then produced an even better stop to turn Oyarzabal’s powerful effort around the post. Austria’s goalkeeper stayed busy in stoppage time as Alex Baena crashed a free-kick against the crossbar before Schlager blocked Yamal’s follow-up attempt.
