Arnautovic's Emotional Words After World Cup Exit: "Already Cried Enough"

Austria's World Cup journey ends in the Round of 16 as they fall to European champions and co-favourite Spain, making their way home after a 0:3 defeat in Los Angeles.

The Match Report>>>

In their first World Cup knockout match since 1954, Alexander Schlager initially kept the ÖFB team in the game with several strong saves.

However, the superiority of the "Furia Roja" became evident early on and was rewarded in the 36th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal scored a well-deserved opener.

"They are better than us"

Marcel Sabitzer also had to acknowledge the opponent's class on "ServusTV": "You have to say, they are better than us. I think we had some good moments in the first 20 minutes. But in such small details – the final pass, the final action – you see that a bit of quality is missing. That's the difference. I think it's a deserved victory for Spain today."

Marko Arnautovic also agreed: "Congratulations to Spain. We tried. Spain is an outstanding opponent. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. But we can still be proud of ourselves."

Austria found no answers against strong Spain

The Iberian star squad was not fazed even after the break.

Austria found hardly any offensive solutions and didn't register a single shot on Spain's goal. Substitute Sasa Kalajdzic had the best chance in the 61st minute, but his header went over the bar.

Spain's national coach Luis de la Fuente was accordingly satisfied after the final whistle: "It was the most important match. We worked towards it. We delivered in all aspects."

Head coach Rangnick also paid great respect to the Spanish performance: "They are the reigning European champions for a reason, and it wouldn't surprise me if they become the future World Champions."

Arnautovic retires from the ÖFB team

For the ÖFB selection, this means their first World Cup since 1998 already ends in the Round of 16.

It was also the last international match for record cap-holder and record goal-scorer Marko Arnautovic. The 37-year-old was deeply disappointed after the final whistle: "It was the last time. A disaster. I think I've already cried enough."

Despite the painful farewell, Arnautovic also looks back with pride on the last few weeks: "The biggest highlight of my career was playing here at the World Cup with my country, with Austria."

"Moved the masses in Austria"

Marcel Sabitzer also felt overwhelming disappointment immediately after the match: "We certainly moved the masses again in Austria; people can identify with us. But so shortly after the game, I'm just disappointed because our goal was to advance. We missed that, and we have to acknowledge it without envy."