Spain meet Austria in Round of 32
Spain topping Group H has set up a meeting with Austria, who finished second in Group J on goal difference. It’s the winners of Euro 2024 against potential tournament dark horses. Who progresses?
Spain building momentum nicely
Spain registered 27 shots, took 51 touches in the opposition penalty area and won 11 corners, yet still couldn’t find the back of the net against World Cup debutants Cape Verde.
The same mistakes were not repeated against Saudi Arabia a few days later as the Spaniards sealed an imperious 4-0 win. Uruguay were then sent packing courtesy of a narrow 1-0 victory to round off the group stages.
Luis De La Fuente’s men didn’t concede a single goal across their three matches and La Roja restricted their opponents to just three shots on target during that period.
Remarkably, though, Spain have not won a World Cup knockout tie since their triumph in the 2010 final. De La Fuente will be hoping to change that in California.
Austria could spring a surprise
Ralf Rangnick has led Austria to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time since 1982, but can they progress even further?
A late equaliser against Algeria set up this clash with the European champions, but if they can channel the sort of performances that were on show when they topped their at that tournament, Rangnick’s men have a chance.
The Austrians scored three goals against both Jordan and Algeria, yet couldn’t break through a resolute Argentinian defence. This will be the challenge against the Spaniards, who will be determined to keep a fourth consecutive clean sheet.
Austria have defeated the Netherlands, Norway, Ghana and South Korea over the previous two years. A win against Spain, however, would be their biggest achievement, no doubt about that.
Key players
Lamine Yamal was restricted to a cameo appearance in the opening game against Cape Verde, but the teenager did socre his first World Cup goal against Saudi Arabia.
He failed to register a shot on target against Uruguay, yet De La Fuente will be hoping Yamal can provide the cutting edge for Spain against Austria.
Marcel Sabitzer has started all three games for Austria so far, getting on the scoresheet against Algeria in that enthralling 3-3 draw.
Marko Arnautović might be the main goal threat for Rangnick, yet Sabitzer makes things tick and he could be vital in this round of 32 matchup.
Team news
Spain will be without the services of both Nico Williams and Yéremy Pino for this clash, as the duo are injured.
Rangnick has a couple of players that are doubts for the match. David Alaba came off during the second half against Algeria, but it looks like he could be fit and ready to go.
Arnautović, however is a doubt for this knockout stage clash and Rangnick will be sweating on a late fitness test for Austria’s all-time top scorer.
Prediction
Spain would have hoped for an easier tie to begin the knockout stage, but confidence has been building since the 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.
Austria were a mixed bag during the group stage, but if Rangnick can get them performing to their best, we could see a tight affair play out in LA: Spain 2 – 0 Austria.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow all the games from the World Cup on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.
Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.
