After the ensuing corner, the ball ends up in the net, with Marc Cucurella converting from the back of the box. However, referee Glenn Nyberg from Sweden rules out the goal for a slight foul on Schlager, who was lightly blocked - a rather fortunate decision (30').
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Schlager is again in focus three minutes later. From a shot by Mikel Oyarzabal, the Salzburg goalkeeper gets down quickly and makes a strong save (33'). Three minutes later, he is powerless. Cucurella has plenty of space on the left and passes to the center, where Oyarzabal can freely slot in for the 1:0 (36'). Subsequently, Austria also appears physically at their limit and de facto gets no moments of respite. When counter-attacking opportunities arise, they are too slow.
In first-half stoppage time, Spain then misses out on a second goal twice: First, Álex Baena hits the crossbar from a free-kick, then Schlager blocks Yamal's rebound (45+2').
Early Substitutions from Rangnick, Porro Secures Decisive Goal
Head coach Ralf Rangnick makes a double substitution at halftime, replacing the defensive midfield duo of Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald with Carney Chukwuemeka and Florian Grillitsch. Austria seems to be playing a bit better, but the first shot belongs to Rodri, whose effort goes just wide (54').
Rangnick then goes all-in - bringing on two attackers, Saša Kalajdžić and Marko Arnautović. Kalajdžić immediately gets a header - over the bar (61'). Pedro Porro scores at the other end - for Spain's 2:0, he only needs to head it in after good preparatory work from Cucurella and Baena (66').
After a beautiful combination involving several players, Chukwuemeka takes a shot, but misses significantly (80'). Posch tries his luck after a Sabitzer cross in the 82nd minute, but the ball goes wide right of the goal. Overall, it is not enough to pose significant challenges to the dominant Spanish side. David Alaba initially prevents a heavier defeat against Yamal on the line (86'), but with Oyarzabal's 0:3 goal after a Cucurella assist, the game is over (89'), Austria's resistance already broken.
Thus, Austria's journey in this World Cup comes to an end. Spain will face the winner of the match between Portugal and Croatia in the Round of 16.
