Spain must turn control into goals against Austria in last 32

Spain faces Austria in the World Cup last-32, carrying an impressive 34-match unbeaten streak and a defense that has yet to concede in the tournament. However, a persistent question looms: can their dominance in possession translate into goals against a resolute opponent?

The European champions topped Group H with seven points from three games, but their 1-0 win over Uruguay followed a concerning 0-0 draw against Cape Verde. In that match, Spain registered 74% possession and 27 shots, yet only seven were on target, struggling to break down a deep-lying Cape Verde defense.

This pattern of control without goals is uncomfortably familiar for Spain, recalling their 2022 World Cup exit on penalties after a goalless draw with Morocco. The absence of injured wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams in the early stages against Cape Verde slowed their attack and made it predictable.

Austria, managed by Ralf Rangnick, is making its first World Cup knockout appearance in 44 years. They are expected to adopt similar defensive tactics to Cape Verde and Uruguay, posing a challenge for Spain to unlock their defense. Spain's task is clear: maintain their clean-sheet record and prove they can find the net against a well-organized backline.