Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain celebrates after scoring during the round of 32 match between Spain and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, the United States, July 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)
LOS ANGELES, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal said his team would be ready for any challenge after scoring twice in Thursday's 3-0 World Cup round of 32 win over Austria.
The reigning European champion will face either Portugal or Croatia in the next round, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake.
"Whoever we face, we'll be ready," Oyarzabal said after the match at Los Angeles Stadium.
The Real Sociedad forward has now scored four goals this tournament, having also netted a brace in a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the group stage.
"I'm glad to help the team, to get through another round and we're happy," the 29-year-old said. "Now it's time to rest and focus on what's next."
He praised Austria's determination, insisting the final score did not reflect the match.
"It was a tough game," he said. "We knew it was going to be tough. They are a physical team that was always going to make things difficult for us. But we had a very good day and played a very good match."
He added: "We've also played well in other matches and, above all, during key moments of games." ■
Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain celebrates after scoring during the round of 32 match between Spain and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, the United States, July 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)
Lamine Yamal (L) of Spain is substituted off for Gavi during the round of 32 match between Spain and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, the United States, July 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Mikel Oyarzabal (front) of Spain celebrates with Gavi after scoring during the round of 32 match between Spain and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, the United States, July 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)
Pedro Porro (4th R) of Spain celebrates with teammates after scoring during the round of 32 match between Spain and Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, the United States, July 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
