World Cup: Austria coach confident of beating Spain despite 'invincible armada's' 34-game unbeaten run

Austria's coach Ralf Rangnick acknowledged the immense challenge of facing Spain, an "invincible armada" with a 34-match unbeaten streak in international football. The two teams are set to clash in the World Cup knockout stage.

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Playing against a favorite to win the championship is a great motivation for us.

Spain's impressive run, which includes their 2024 European Championship victory, has seen them secure 27 wins and 7 draws since their last loss in March 2023. "Playing against a favorite to win the championship is a great motivation for us," Rangnick stated at a press conference.

While respecting Spain's current strength, Rangnick emphasized that his team is not facing the Spanish side of 2008-2012. "This is our first match against a European team in this tournament, and there have been many upsets already," he said. "We firmly believe we have the potential to beat Spain and will give our all in the match."

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We are not playing against the Spain of 2008, 10, or 12. This is our first match against a European team in this World Cup, and there have been many upsets already. We firmly believe we have the potential to beat Spain and will give our all in the match.

Rangnick also specifically addressed the threat posed by 18-year-old Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal. "Yamal is an outstanding player with the potential to become a superstar like Messi," Rangnick noted. "We will definitely defend him closely, denying him space and opportunities to touch the ball or shoot easily."

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Yamal is an outstanding player with the potential to become a superstar like Messi. We will definitely defend him closely, denying him space and opportunities to touch the ball or shoot easily.