Spain seek sharper World Cup display as Austria target upset
Spain meet Austria in Los Angeles for a World Cup round-of-32 tie, with Lamine Yamal’s fitness and Austria’s first knockout run since 1954 in focus.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
3 min read
Spain face Austria on Thursday in Los Angeles with a place in the World Cup last 16 at stake, and with their form under scrutiny despite winning Group H. Al Jazeera, citing AFP and Reuters, reported that the winner will play Portugal or Croatia in the next round.
The round-of-32 match is scheduled for noon local time at Los Angeles Stadium, or 19:00 GMT, according to Al Jazeera. Spain enter as the stronger favorite, while Austria are preparing for their first World Cup knockout match since 1954.
Spain try to build after uneven group games
Al Jazeera reported that Spain began the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, then beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0 to finish top of Group H on seven points. Coach Luis de la Fuente said Wednesday that his squad is improving after a start that did not fully match expectations.
“This squad is used to breaking records and overcoming rough patches; we are determined to keep moving forward,” de la Fuente said, according to Al Jazeera. Spain are unbeaten in 34 matches dating to March 2023, the outlet reported.
De la Fuente also said he welcomes pressure on his team. “I love that it is demanded of us, because a lot is expected of us and what we have to do is respond to that expectation,” he told reporters, according to Al Jazeera.
Austria focus on stopping Yamal
Austria finished second in Group J with four points, Al Jazeera reported. Ralf Rangnick’s side beat Jordan 3-1, lost 2-0 to Argentina and drew 3-3 with Algeria, scoring six goals across the group stage.
Rangnick said Austria must improve against Spain. “We all know that we need to do even better tomorrow. Against Spain this is obvious,” he said, according to Al Jazeera. “We have to make one further step.”
Much of Austria’s defensive planning centers on Lamine Yamal. Al Jazeera reported that Spain have managed the 18-year-old winger’s minutes after a hamstring tear in April; he has played 141 minutes at the tournament and scored once.
Rangnick called Yamal “an excellent player” and said Austria must limit his space and dribbling chances. “It is our task tomorrow to let him have the ball as little as possible,” Rangnick said, according to Al Jazeera.
Team news and predicted lineups
Al Jazeera reported that Spain will be without Yeremi Pino because of a collarbone injury and Nico Williams because of a hamstring problem. Victor Munoz is doubtful with a muscle issue. Austria have no reported injuries or suspensions.
- Spain predicted lineup: Simon; Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena.
- Austria predicted lineup: Schlager; Posch, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene; Seiwald, Schlager; Laimer, Sabitzer, Schmid; Arnautovic.
Prediction and history
Opta’s supercomputer gives Spain a 70.6 percent chance of winning in normal time, Al Jazeera reported. Austria are rated at 12.2 percent, with a 17.3 percent chance that the match goes to extra time.
Spain have avoided defeat in their past five matches against Austria, winning four and drawing one, according to Al Jazeera. Their most recent meeting came in 2009, when Spain won 5-1, though Austria won their last World Cup meeting 2-1 in 1978.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.