Spain Faces Austria in World Cup Round of 16 After Strong Group Stage

Since winning the World Cup in 2010, Spain's national team has struggled to advance past the knockout stages, being eliminated in the group stage in 2014 and in the round of 16 in both 2018 and 2022. On Thursday evening, Spain aims to break this pattern as they face Austria at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Spain topped their group with a solid defensive record, not conceding any goals, and come into the knockout round with an unbeaten streak of 34 matches (excluding penalty shootouts).

Coach Luis de la Fuente fielded a 4-3-3 formation with Alex Baena on the left wing, while injured players Yeremy Pino and Nico Williams were absent from the squad, with their return uncertain. Dani Olmo was selected in midfield alongside Rodri and Pedri, and Pedro Porro was preferred over Marcos Llorente at right back.

Austria, coming off a thrilling 3-3 draw against Algeria, are seeking a major upset in their first World Cup knockout match since 1954. Key players David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic, who had minor knee issues, were fit to play, though Arnautovic started on the bench in favor of Michael Gregoritsch. Kevin Danso and Paul Wanner returned to the starting lineup under coach Ralf Rangnick, who set up his team in a 4-5-1 formation.

The match referee was Glenn Nyberg from Sweden. Following this game, the knockout stage continues with Portugal facing Croatia and Switzerland playing Algeria later that night.