Sports Desk: Spain produced a dominant and composed performance to defeat Austria 3–0 in the Round of 32, finally breaking a 16-year-long winless streak in World Cup knockout matches. The victory marked Spain’s first knockout win in a World Cup since the 2010 final, signaling a long-awaited return to form on the biggest stage.Mikel Oyarzabal starred with a clinical brace, while Pedro Porro added a historic first international goal to seal the result. Spain, coached by Luis de la Fuente, entered the match under pressure to overcome years of knockout disappointment, having exited at the group stage in 2014 and in the Round of 16 in both 2018 and 2022.The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Oyarzabal finished calmly from close range after a precise assist from Marc Cucurella. Spain briefly thought they had taken an earlier lead through Cucurella following a corner from Lamine Yamal, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul in the buildup.Despite Spain’s dominance, Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager kept his side in the contest with key saves, including a sharp stop from Álex Baena’s free-kick and a follow-up attempt from Yamal, ensuring a 1–0 scoreline at halftime.Spain doubled their advantage in the 65th minute when Pedro Porro rose to meet a cross from Baena, heading home his first international goal and effectively putting the match beyond Austria’s reach.Austria briefly attempted to mount pressure after the hour mark, with substitute Sasa Kalajdzic heading narrowly off target from a Sabitzer delivery—one of their few clear chances in the match.Oyarzabal capped off Spain’s dominant display in the 88th minute, finishing from close range after another assist from Cucurella to complete his brace and secure a comprehensive 3–0 victory.The result not only sends Spain into the next round but also ends a long-standing knockout drought, restoring confidence and momentum as they progress further in the tournament.