For the first time since 2010, Spain have won a knockout game at the FIFA World Cup, and La Roja have officially arrived at the 2026 tournament after overcoming a tough Austrian side.
Spain have come to life at the right time after a slow start to their tournament, and their timing could not be better. They have found another gear, with more to come, and their tempo, passing movement, and combining are breaking down a defensive structure.
The knockout stages are when teams start to show their true form; Spain certainly replicated the performances that won them the Euros in 2024 and have broken their knockout curse, whilst cementing their status as one of the favourites to go far in the tournament and do the back-to-back again.
Spain step up against a stubborn Austria
The first real test in this World Cup for Spain came after a group stage that did not deliver the performances everyone had anticipated, with their aim simply to get through the group in whatever way possible. But make no mistake, La Roja have arrived at this World Cup, having displayed the quality of the side that went all the way to the final back in Germany two years ago. Austria are a side that is well-drilled defensively and tactically hard to beat, requiring extra work from Spain.
Spain found spaces to get through, moving quickly with the ball, short passes and having runners off the ball. Anytime they had an attacking move, there was always somebody creating themselves as an option.
Knockout games are when teams start to show their true performance, and Spain throughout the game stepped up. There was fluidity and an attacking alignment in the midfield, and their defence was ready to deal with anything that came their way.
Rotation that made no difference
There was no Fabian Ruiz or Nico Williams in the starting 11, with both on the bench. Still, it did not matter because Dani Olmo, Pedri, and Rodri were all aligned with the attack, and the impact of Lamine Yamal getting in between the lines and being part of the attacking movement.
A clinical Spain performance
A clinical performance from Spain all around, and it was an example of a team stepping up when they needed to, as Austria provided a challenge with their physicality and a defensive shape that was hard to break down.
Spain’s confidence and comfort were evident, given how much space they found between the lines and how they combined to create chances and opportunities to get them through the game.