Spain have secured their third World Cup victory, beating Austria three-nil and taking their place in the round of 16 at the Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday evening.
The reigning European champions took the lead early in the round of 32 clash, through an effort from Mikel Oyarzabal off a delivery from Marc Cucurella.
The Spaniards had an opportunity to double the lead before half-time with an opportunity from Alex Baena, before Austria’s goalkeeper Alexander Schlager swiftly denied Lamine Yamal at the back post from scoring.
Spain extended their lead after the break with a perfect set from Baena that allowed Perdo Perro to net his first international goal.
Austria showed signs of getting back in the game after failing to capitalise on converting their chances as Spain remained on top.
Oyarzabal sealed the victory, netting a brace just before added time after another excellent play from Cucurella, who earned his second assist of the game.
The brace takes the striker’s goal tally to 17 goals in his last 16 appearances for Spain and makes him the first player to score twice in a World Cup match since Emilio Butragueno’s four-goal performance against Denmark at the 1986 World Cup.
Spain advances to the Round 16, where they will face either Portugal or Croatia.
