Spain vs Austria Half-Time Thoughts: Oyarzabal Opener Gives Spain Advantage Before The Break
Mikel Oyarzabal's calm finish in the 36th minute gives Spain a deserved lead heading into the break.
La Roja have been sharp and looked like their best selves during this first half. Although Austria have been competitive and have had moments, Spain look to be too much for them.
From the first moment, Spain looked dangerous. Lamine Yamal had an early chance on the counterattack but could not convert for his second World Cup goal. They were the more dangerous of the two sides in the early stages but Austria had a chance to snatch the lead in the 17th minute. Marcel Sabitzer put in a fantastic cross for striker Michael Gregoritsch but he could not quite get to the ball.
Austria have defended well at times and goalkeeper Alexander Schlager has been outstanding, making five saves already. Sabitzer has dropped back from left-wing to help Konrad Laimer with Yamal but the teenager has still been a threat for Spain.
Spain thought they had took the lead in the 29th min when Marc Cucurella smashed the ball past Schlager but the goal was disallowed straight away for a foul from Pau Cubarsi on the Austria goalkeeper. The decision seemed harsh but this did not stop Spain's dominance.
If anything, it boosted their confidence. Yamal breezed past Laimer once again and forced a good save from Schlager, but the ball found Oyarzabal who took on the shot which was met by the goalkeeper once again.
The goal had been coming for Spain and the deadlock was broken in the 36th minute. Pedri found Cucurella on the left-hand side and he put in a fantastic low cross which found Oyarzabal. The Real Sociedad man calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.
Another great double save from Schlager stopped Spain from doubling their lead before half-time and Austria will be glad they got to the break just the one goal behind. Spain have been impressive and have grown into the game as it has gone on. Austria have struggled and now have to chase an equaliser, and with the momentum, Spain could add more goals in the second half.
