Spain took a 1-0 lead over Austria at halftime in their World Cup round of 32 knockout match on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored the opening goal, rewarding Spain's dominant first-half performance in the tournament's first single-elimination fixture.
Spain's Starting Lineup and Tactics
Manager Luis de la Fuente fielded the same starting eleven that secured Spain's most decisive group-stage victory.
Pedro Porro started at right back, Dani Olmo played as an attacking midfielder, and Alex Baena operated on the left wing.
Lamine Yamal took the right wing, while Rodri and Pedri anchored the midfield.
According to sport. es, Spain controlled the tempo to bypass Austria's high-pressing system under manager Ralf Rangnick.
Despite Austria's high pressure in Spain's half, goalkeeper Unai Simon and central defenders Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte kept a clean sheet.
Spain created several chances through the right flank, where Porro and Yamal combined effectively.
Defender Marc Cucurella had an early goal disallowed for a foul on the Austrian goalkeeper, but later provided the cross for Oyarzabal's opener.
