Spain Holds 1-0 Lead at Half-Time

In the second minute of injury time in the first half, Alex Baena struck a free kick that hit the bar, missing an opportunity for Spain to double their lead. On the rebound, Lamin Yamal’s shot was brilliantly saved by Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. As of 18 Ashar, Kathmandu time, during the Round of 32 match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Spain leads Austria 1-0 at half-time.

Mikel Oyarzabal scored the only goal for Spain in the first half, netting in the 36th minute at the Los Angeles Stadium. He received a pass from Marc Cucurella to secure the lead for Spain. Oyarzabal became the first Spanish player to score in a World Cup knockout stage match since Andrés Iniesta’s goal against the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final.

From the onset, Spain maintained relentless pressure on Austria, creating numerous chances throughout the half, but managed only one goal. Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager made several outstanding saves. A goal by Spain’s Marc Cucurella in the 29th minute was disallowed by the referee due to obstruction of the Austrian goalkeeper by Spanish players. Oyarzabal’s 33rd-minute attempt was also saved by Schlager.

Austrian defenders kept close watch on Spain’s young star Lamin Yamal, limiting his impact. During the second minute of first-half injury time, after Baena’s free kick struck the bar and rebounded, Yamal’s subsequent shot was again denied by Schlager. Schlager’s remarkable performance in the first half includes four crucial saves that prevented any further goals against Austria.