World Cup Headline: Dominating Without Scoring, Yamal Helps Spain Return to Contender Status

The children of Austria may be somewhat disappointed. Their team faced a Spanish side that had stumbled through the group stage, yet managed zero shots on target throughout the entire match. But they witnessed a genius performance — Spain's Lamine Yamal, though not padding his stats, shone throughout the game, impossible to contain. He didn't even need to score to dominate the match.

In the early hours of July 3, Spain defeated Austria 3-0, winning a knockout match for the first time in 16 years. They have maintained a clean sheet in all matches so far this World Cup, while Oyarzabal scored a brace. Even Austria coach Rangnick was full of admiration: "This Spanish team fully deserves today's victory."

Spain 3-0 Austria, Four Matches Without Conceding

Even though Austria's president urged parents to let children stay up late to support the team, the spirited Austrian side had no answer against a formidable Spain.

On July 3 Beijing time, in the 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup Round of 32 knockout match, Spain defeated Austria 3-0 thanks to Oyarzabal's brace and a header from Poro. This marked Spain's first World Cup knockout stage victory since winning the 2010 South Africa World Cup.

From the start of the first half, Spain firmly controlled the tempo. Just one minute in, Yamal intercepted the ball deep in his own half and launched a counterattack, with his long-range shot saved by Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. Then the Spanish onslaught began.

In the 29th minute, Spain won a corner on the right side. Cucurella blasted the ball home in a scramble, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper. Unfazed by the missed chances, Spain broke through in the 36th minute when Cucurella sent a low cross from the left, and Oyarzabal pushed it home from near the penalty spot to break the deadlock.

After the break, Spain's attacks continued unabated. In the 66th minute, Cucurella played a through ball, Baena drove to the byline and crossed, and Poro arrived at the far post to head home, making it 2-0. It was Poro's first goal for his national team.

Trailing by two goals, Austria tried substitutions to strengthen their attack, but Spain's solid defense gave them few opportunities. In the 89th minute, Cucurella delivered a precise cross from the left, and Oyarzabal arrived to slot home easily, completing his brace. Spain won 3-0 and advanced powerfully to the Round of 16.

The Spanish bulls registered 23 shots in total, 10 on target, while Austria managed just 5 shots with none on target. Spain dominated possession with 65% to Austria's 35%, and their pass completion rate reached 91%. Spain also earned 9 corner kicks to Austria's zero.

With this victory, Spain extended their unbeaten run to 34 matches and have kept clean sheets in all four of their World Cup matches so far.

Phenomenal Performance: Yamal Named Man of the Match

After the 3-0 victory over Austria that ended Spain's 16-year wait for a World Cup knockout win, the 18-year-old Yamal was named Man of the Match. Despite not registering a goal or assist, Yamal earned the honor through his phenomenal display on the right wing.

Starting and playing 85 minutes, he recorded a game-high 6 shots with 4 on target. He also made 14 touches in the opposition box and attempted 10 dribbles, making him the youngest player since such stats began being recorded in 1966 to achieve 10+ touches in the box and 10+ dribbles in a single World Cup match.

Throughout the game, Yamal came agonizingly close to scoring multiple times. In the first half, his close-range shot was miraculously saved by the Austrian goalkeeper. Before being substituted late in the match, his powerful shot inside the box was cleared off the line by Alaba. Ultimately, Yamal claimed his first Man of the Match award at a World Cup.

However, when receiving the trophy after the match, the young Barcelona star showed little emotion. Notably, after being substituted, Yamal did not celebrate with his teammates but instead headed straight for the tunnel. He was seen speaking with the team doctor with a serious expression, sparking concerns about a possible recurrence of an old injury or a new one. According to Cadena SER, Yamal left early simply because he was notified he needed to join Pedri for a doping test.

Statistics show that the 18-year-old Yamal has become the youngest European player to win 10 matches in major national team tournaments, achieving this at just 18 years and 354 days — five years younger than the previous record holder, Kylian Mbappé (23 years and 355 days).

Speaking after the match, Yamal said: "I'm finding my form bit by bit, starting to play like myself again, doing the sprints and dribbles I need to do. So I'm very happy, especially for the team." Asked whether he was looking forward to facing Ronaldo, Yamal replied: "Honestly, it doesn't matter. Whether it's Croatia or Portugal. Of course, it would be an honor to play against Ronaldo. But I'm thinking about winning the match, whoever advances."

According to the schedule, Spain will play their Round of 16 match on July 7 Beijing time, against either Portugal or Croatia.

Ronaldo's Sister: This is Ronaldo's Last Major Tournament

Before the Portugal vs. Croatia Round of 32 match on July 3 Beijing time, Ronaldo's sister Katia Aveiro dropped a bombshell in an interview with Portuguese media — this World Cup will be the "last dance" for the 41-year-old Ronaldo in the national team. He will bid farewell to the Portugal national team after the tournament and will not participate in Euro 2028.

In the interview, Katia also responded to recent criticism of Ronaldo. She said bluntly: "People who understand football, who love football, will definitely love Ronaldo. Anyone who doesn't like Ronaldo just doesn't like football — it's their loss." She added: "Ronaldo has given everything for over 20 years. Do you think these criticisms affect our happiness? Never!"

Ronaldo started the match against Croatia, becoming the first player in history to participate in a World Cup knockout match at the age of 41.

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