Oyarzabal takes centre stage as Spain move past Austria

Mikel Oyarzabal was the key finisher as Spain beat Austria 3-0 in their World Cup last-32 match. The Real Sociedad striker scored twice, helping the European champions reach the last 16.

Much of the attention around Spain has followed Lamine Yamal, but Oyarzabal’s tournament impact is now difficult to ignore. He has four goals at this World Cup, and the Austria double continued a strong international scoring run after his recovery from the ACL injury that kept him out of the 2022 tournament.

The contrast in Spain’s attack is part of the story: Yamal draws defenders and creates space, while Oyarzabal has been converting the moments that fall to him in central areas. The BBC report also notes that he became the first Spain player since Emilio Butragueño in 1986 to score twice in a World Cup knockout match.

Spain’s wider numbers underline their momentum. They have scored eight goals in four games, have not conceded, and the Austria result extended their unbeaten run to 34 matches, with Portugal or Croatia next in line depending on that tie’s outcome.