SPAIN LIVED UP TO ITS FAVORITE STATUS: Arnautović and Austria Helpless as Powerful “La Furia” Delivers a Football Masterclass to Reach the Round of 16! (VIDEO)

Spain booked its place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after cruising to a convincing 3-0 victory over Austria in Los Angeles.

Spain produced a magnificent performance from start to finish, making everything look effortless against the Alpine side before scoring three unanswered goals. The biggest nightmare for Austria’s defense was Mikel Oyarzabal.

The Spanish forward found the back of the net twice, while Pedro Porro added another goal. Marc Cucurella and Lamine Yamal also created numerous dangerous opportunities, although Austria managed to prevent an even heavier defeat.

Spain began applying pressure from the opening whistle. The early efforts were not particularly threatening, but the intensity gradually increased. Following the cooling break, it became clear that the opening goal was only a matter of time.

In the 29th minute, Dani Olmo came close to making it 1-0, but Stefan Posch cleared the ball for a corner at the last moment. Just a minute later, Marc Cucurella had a goal ruled out after referee Glenn Nyberg judged there had been a foul on the goalkeeper following the corner kick.

Oyarzabal also tested Austria’s goalkeeper with a powerful strike in the 32nd minute, but the shot was saved. However, four minutes later there was no stopping him. Receiving the ball around 11 meters from goal, he calmly slotted a low finish into the net to give Spain a deserved 1-0 lead.

Before halftime, Spain also struck the crossbar through Álex Baena, while Lamine Yamal fired a rebound straight at goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, leaving Austria fortunate to trail by just one goal at the break.

That stroke of luck did little to change the course of the match. Spain continued to dominate possession and create chances, and their superiority was rewarded with two more goals in the second half.

Rodri narrowly missed the target with a powerful effort in the 54th minute, and ten minutes later “La Furia” doubled its advantage. Baena did the hard work down the flank before delivering a perfect cross for Pedro Porro, who headed home to make it 2-0.

Marko Arnautović entered the match for Austria during the second half, but he was unable to change the momentum. Instead, Spain added one more goal before the final whistle.

David Alaba cleared what looked like a certain goal off the line from Yamal in the 85th minute, but Austria made another costly mistake four minutes later, allowing Oyarzabal through on goal. The Spanish striker made no mistake, calmly finishing for his second goal of the night and sealing the final 3-0 scoreline.

Spain will now face the winner of the Portugal vs. Croatia clash in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.