LOS ANGELES : Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice as Spain eased past Austria 3-0 on Friday to reach the World Cup last 16, where they will face the winner of the Round of 32 clash between Croatia and Portugal.
Oyarzabal struck in the 36th and 89th minutes, while Pedro Porro added Spain’s second after the break as the 2010 world champions produced a composed display to progress comfortably.
Spain dominated possession throughout and rarely looked troubled, with Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Marc Cucurella and Alex Baena all influential as Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the tempo.
Oyarzabal broke the deadlock nine minutes before halftime, giving Spain a deserved lead after sustained pressure.
Austria struggled to create meaningful opportunities against Spain’s organised defence, with goalkeeper Unai Simon called upon to deal with only a handful of efforts, including those from veteran striker Marko Arnautovic.
Spain doubled their advantage in the 66th minute through Porro, effectively ending Austria’s hopes of a comeback.
Oyarzabal completed the scoring one minute from time with his second goal of the match to seal an emphatic victory.
Spain advance to the last 16, where they will meet either Croatia or Portugal for a place in the quarter-finals.
