Lamine Yamal declares ‘World Cup starts now’ as Spain ease past Austria into last 16

• Spain defeated Austria 3-0 to book their place in the World Cup round of 16 with their best display of the tournament.
• Lamine Yamal starred at SoFi Stadium and was named Player of the Match after returning to full fitness.
• Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice while Pedro Porro also found the net as Spain set up a last-16 clash with Portugal or Croatia.

Lamine Yamal believes Spain have arrived at the decisive stage of the World Cup after producing an outstanding display in Thursday’s 3-0 victory over Austria, with the Barcelona winger insisting “the World Cup starts now” following the team’s progression to the round of 16.

Spain delivered their most convincing performance of the tournament at SoFi Stadium, where Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and Pedro Porro added another to secure a comfortable victory over Austria. Yamal was named Player of the Match after an influential performance that highlighted his growing importance to Luis de la Fuente’s side.

The European champions had been made to work hard during the group stage but looked far more fluid in the first knockout round, strengthening their credentials as genuine contenders to lift the trophy.

“The World Cup starts now,” Yamal told reporters after the match.

“If you lose, you go home. And we don’t want that. None of us want that.”

The 18-year-old completed 85 minutes, his longest appearance of the tournament after recovering from injury, and said he now feels ready for whatever lies ahead.

“I’m good. Now I’m 100%,” Yamal said.

“I’m ready to play whatever the boss wants. I need to keep resting and looking after myself, but I’m 100%.

“We all wanted to go to Dallas and play the last 16. Little by little, I’m feeling like myself again, making the runs I need to, dribbling, and I’m very happy.”

Yamal was one of Spain’s standout performers throughout the contest, registering six shots, four of them on target, creating two chances and recovering possession five times as Austria struggled to contain his pace and creativity.

Oyarzabal continued his impressive World Cup campaign by taking his tournament tally to four goals, while Porro also got on the scoresheet as Spain comfortably advanced to the next stage.

Austria manager Ralf Rangnick admitted his side had been beaten by a superior team and believes Spain have what it takes to become world champions.

“I can’t remember any unforced error that they made,” Rangnick said.

“Spain showed us their best performance today. I dare to say that we didn’t only play the European champions, but perhaps the next world champions.”

Rangnick also singled out Yamal for special praise, describing the teenager as one of the brightest young talents in world football.

“He is one of the biggest talents we’ve seen at his age,” Rangnick said.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente welcomed the performance but insisted there is still room for improvement despite the convincing victory.

“I have many reasons to be happy today,” De la Fuente said.

“We won, and the image of the team was fantastic. We feel great. It’s a process, but in the next match there’s still room for improvement.

“Perhaps you saw what you think is the best of us, but our spirit is to keep on improving. This team hasn’t reached its limit. There’s much to do.

“I thank Rangnick for his words, but we’re not yet satisfied.”

Spain will now travel to Dallas for a round-of-16 meeting with either Portugal or Croatia on Monday as they look to carry their momentum into the latter stages of the World Cup.