Spain cruised to top spot in Group H by winning two of their three fixtures and keeping clean sheets in every match.
Austria scored a late equaliser against Algeria to seal second place behind Argentina, although this has set up a tricky clash with La Roja.
The Spanish have not won a World Cup knockout game since the 2010 final and this might well play on their minds as they take on Ralf Rangnick’s well organised Austrian outfit.
We’ve analysed the stats and browsed the World Cup betting markets for a Bet Builder for this match which pays out at 6/1 should it come in.
Spain v Austria Bet Builder Tips
Spain eye first knockout win in 16 years
It is hard to believe that La Roja are winless in World Cup knockout stage matches since winning the trophy in 2010.
Spain failed to make it out of the groups in 2014, while suffering penalty shootout defeats to Russia and Morocco in 2018 and 2022 respectively.
The current European champions know that victory over Austria could set up a clash against Iberian neighbours Portugal, who haven’t quite been at their best this tournament.
Spain have won all four meetings with Austria, including one at the World Cup in 1978. Furthermore, Luis de la Fuente’s men haven’t lost a competitive match since March 2023 against Scotland.
Expect them to ease into the round of 16 against an Austrian side who could cause some problems, but ultimately suffer defeat.
Leg 1: Spain to win @ 3/10
Expect goals in California
If Spain turn on the style, they can be absolutely devastating. Just ask Saudi Arabia. In the second group game, the Spaniards scored three times in the opening 24 minutes and the scoreline could have been higher than 4-0.
Austria actually scored more goals than La Roja during the group stage, netting six across their three fixtures. None of those came against Argentina, however, which suggests Das Team might struggle in a similar fashion against the Spaniards.
Since October 2024, 15 of Spain’s 20 matches has seen three or more goals scored. For Austria, three of their last six games have featured three goals or more, including a 5-1 win over Ghana.
The Austrians have scored in seven of their previous eight matches and, if Marko Arnautovic is fit, Rangnick’s side stand a chance of getting on the scoresheet.
Leg 2: Over 2.5 goals @ 31/40
Oyarzabal looking to add to his tally
Spain striker Mikel Oyarazabal was poor in the opening game against Cape Verde, but he burst into life a few days later, scoring a quickfire brace against Saudi Arabia.
His two goals so far aren’t reflective of his ability in the final third, so he will be desperate to add to his World Cup tally against Austria.
Flanked by Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena, Oyarzabal will have plenty of opportunities in the final third an backing him to score first offers excellent value to round off this bet builder.
Leg 3: Mikel Oyarzabal to score first @ 3/1
