World Cup 2026 Round of 32: Spain vs Austria

[A_G]

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Story of the tie


Underrated narrative

For nearly two centuries from 1516 - 1700, Spain was ruled by the House of Habsburg, originating from Austria. In Spain, this period is literally referred to as the era of "Las Austrias".

Under Hapsburg emperor Charles V both countries were briefly ruled by a singular leader.


Previous clashes

These two have only faced each other once in a major tournament. All the way back in the 1978 World Cup held in Argentina.

It was a group stage opener where Austria triumphed over the much fancied Spanish team competing in their first World Cup for 28 years.

Walter Schachner scored against the run of play for Austria which was cancelled out by a smart finish from winger Dani.

The legendary Hans Krankl reacted quickest to a loose ball in the second half to win the game for the Austrians. They would go on to top the group ahead of Brazil while Spain would crash out. FIFA uploaded the extended highlights to YouTube.



What odds on a similar result tonight?

 

[Gooner Zig]

Snooze fest loading

 

[Riou]

Riou Hitzleperger the pundit for this match, the first ever Prem player to come out as gay post retirement.

Good lad he is!

 

[The Ducking Duck]

Austria was a bit meh in the group. Expect an easy win for Spain.

 

[Vinci]

Dani Olmo looks creepy, someone check his basement.

 

[Thrice]

Austria the kind of team that raises their game against big teams and one of the best managers in the tournament.
Still expect Spain to go through, but it'll be closer than some people might think.

 

[hydrofluoric acid]

Raya not starting is quite telling and confirms my suspicions. He is not cut out for knock-outs.

 

[Rain Dance]

Arnautovic has not failed me so far, maybe he can shock Spain

 

[NieThePiet]

Yamal is already great at diving.

 

[DanDare]

Yamal is already great at diving.

Thought it was a bad dive myself

 

[hydrofluoric acid]

Yamal is talented but not even close to pre-injury Saka imo.

 

[GDeep™]

RIP Bob

 

[Riou]

Dani Olmo looks creepy, someone check his basement.

Confident you will find Riou Hitzleperger in there.

 

[hydrofluoric acid]

Spain are such a nasty cheating side.

 

[GDeep™]

Raya not starting is quite telling and confirms my suspicions. He is not cut out for knock-outs.

You need a tall GK for penalties.

Tall average keeper is probably better than great midget keeper.

 

[dashsnow17]

Penelope Cruz is Tier 1 baddie

 

[DanDare]

Cruz and Bardem a true power couple

 

[DanDare]

That was an easy goal, has to get his head on that ffs

 

[BigPoppaPump]

Why aren't Spain as good as they were during the Euros?