Soccer
Luis de la Fuente hailed Spain’s “almost perfect” game against Austria but insists his side must keep improving if they want to keep progressing at the World Cup.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored a brace, with Pedro Porro hitting the target as the European champions earned a 3-0 win in the round of 32.
Spain were the pre-tournament favourites to win the trophy and will now face either Portugal or Croatia in the last 16.
La Roja won their first knockout-stage match at the World Cup since the 2010 final (1-0 v the Netherlands), while it was the first time they scored more than once in such a game since 1994 v Switzerland (also 3-0).
They have already recorded three wins at the tournament in 2026 (D1), which is as many victories as they managed across the previous three editions combined (one win each in 2014, 2018 and 2022).
And De la Fuente, who has never lost a knockout match at a major tournament with Spain (W10 D1), was thrilled his side rose up to the challenge in the knockouts.
“The big teams turn up when their presence is needed,” De la Fuente told RTVE.
“I think we’ve seen a great game. I’m happy because, in all aspects, we’ve been almost perfect – but we have to keep improving. Every match now is going to be very difficult.
“In the last 16, the opponents are now even more demanding. You can always improve, and on top of that, it’s what this team demands.
“These players always want more and more. [Oyarzabal] showed the footballing potential he has – and the rest of his team-mates exactly the same. They played an extraordinary match.”
Spain steals the show in Hollywood.
Next stop: the quarter-finals. https://t.co/HnoWmQIi2R#VamosEspaña | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/9fa62ycwxL
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) July 2, 2026
Oyarzabal has scored 16 goals for Spain since the start of 2025 and became the first player to score two goals in a World Cup knockout match for the nation since Emilio Butragueno against Denmark in 1986 (scored four in the last 16).
“I’m happy to help the team and get through to the next round,” he said.
“Now we need to rest. They were a physical side and difficult to play against, but we played a good match. We’re happy to qualify.
“It doesn’t matter who we face in the next round [Portugal or Croatia] – I have friends in both teams, so bring them on.”
As for Austria, they failed to muster a single shot on target, becoming the first side to do so in a World Cup knockout match since Argentina against Germany in the 2014 final.
They managed just five attempts worth 0.3 expected goals (xG) overall and only had 11 touches in the opposition box as they struggled to break Spain down.
“For the first 20 to 25 minutes, we were OK, but after the first [hydration] break, I think they changed a bit, and then it became more difficult for us,” David Alaba said.
“They are very strong with the ball. They have a lot of the ball, and after 90 minutes, it’s difficult to run after the ball. They have players who have a lot of quality and are very dangerous.”
Read MoreSoccerNews Editorial Team