Oyarzabal’s Double Makes History as Spain Advances to Quarter‑Finals

Mikel Oyarzabal etched his name in World Cup lore with a two‑goal haul against Austria, pushing Spain through to the quarter‑finals. His performance marked the first instance since the 1986 tournament where a Spanish player scored more than once in a knockout match. The winger now has four goals in the competition, adding two more from the group‑stage win over Saudi Arabia.

De la Fuente described Oyarzabal as a “gifted and down‑to‑earth player,” noting that his modest personality is a key strength for the squad. The striker’s clinical finishing capped a night in which Spain dominated every facet of play, leaving the Austrian side with limited opportunities and no chance to respond.