Today's Edition
(DPA)
Mikel Oyarzabal scored a brace as contenders Spain defeated Austria 3-0 on Thursday to advance into the last 16 of the World Cup with a dominant showing.
Real Sociedad's Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 39th minute, Pedro Porro headed the second in the 66th and Oyarzabal wrapped up matters in the 89th with his fourth goal of the tournament for the European champions.
Marc Cucurella set up both Oyarzabal goals and was also involved in Porro's strike, while Alex Baena hit a free-kick against the crossbar and star forward Lamine Yamal had a late shot cleared on the goal-line.
Like co-hosts Mexico and title holders Argentina, who play their last 32 match on Friday, Spain are yet to concede a goal at the tournament in their four games.
Austria, playing their first World Cup knock-out game in 72 years since coming third in 1954, rarely threatened.
Their best chance was a 61st minute header which went over from substitute Saša Kalajdžić, whose stoppage time equaliSer against Algeria had kept them in the tournament.
