Lamine Yamal (centre) of Spain trains with teammates in Chattanooga, Tennessee, yesterday. (AFP)
Doha, Qatar: Spain head into today’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Austria as overwhelming favourites, but the European champions are taking nothing for granted as they bid to extend their unbeaten run and book a place in the last 16.
Luis de la Fuente’s side arrived in North America among the leading title contenders and have lived up to that billing so far, topping Group H without conceding a goal.
After being frustrated in a goalless draw by Cape Verde in their opening match, La Roja hit their stride with a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia before edging Uruguay 1-0 to finish with seven points.
Spain’s defensive solidity has been equally impressive, with goalkeeper Unai Simon yet to pick the ball out of his net at the tournament, while the team’s unbeaten streak now stretches to 34 matches. Their only concern has been converting dominance into goals against opponents willing to sit deep, a challenge they expect Austria to pose again.
“The first match didn’t go the way we wanted. It was a game about finding our feet and Cape Verde made things difficult for us,” midfielder Fabian Ruiz told AFP.
“I believe the team has been gradually getting better over the last few matches. We know that the World Cup is very tough, but we have a lot of confidence in ourselves and in our work.”
Spain’s attack is spearheaded by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who announced himself at the tournament with a goal and an assist against Saudi Arabia after being introduced cautiously in the opening game. The Barcelona winger has added another dimension to Spain’s attack with his pace and creativity while Mikel Oyarzabal has also impressed after contributing to three of Spain’s five goals.
Ruiz, however, insisted Spain will not underestimate any opponent.
“We’ve seen that nowadays, any team can beat you,” he said. “I think we’re ready for it and looking forward to the match.”
Austria, meanwhile, have already exceeded expectations by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 44 years under coach Ralf Rangnick.
Their campaign has been anything but straightforward. A 3-1 win over Jordan was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Lionel Messi’s Argentina before Sasa Kalajdzic’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser secured a thrilling 3-3 draw against Algeria, sending Austria through as Group J runners-up.
Veteran duo Marcel Sabitzer and Marko Arnautovic remain central figures in Rangnick’s side, while defender Phillipp Mwene believes Austria’s aggressive pressing game can unsettle the favourites.
“I do believe we can trouble Spain if we implement our high pressing game. We want to perform at our maximum,” Mwene said.
He also acknowledged the challenge posed by Yamal, adding: “We have to give him as little space as possible. If we act together as a team, we’ve already shown that we can take players like that out of the game.
“Austria hasn’t played a knockout match at a World Cup in a long time. It’s a chance to make history. We want to enjoy it. Everyone is incredibly excited for the game. I feel more anticipation than nervousness or excitement.”
