World Cup LIVE: Switzerland cruise into last 16 after Portugal fight back to beat Croatia

[h2]Today's matches:[/h2][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/austria-naHiWdnt/spain-bLyo6mco/?mid=jJucpA84"]Spain 3-0 Austria - FT[/a][/b][/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/croatia-K8aznggo/portugal-WvJrjFVN/?mid=6BqAZhfn"]Portugal 2-1 Croatia - FT[/a][/b][/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/algeria-nc87N1BR/switzerland-rHJ2vy1B/?mid=rgxknWwh"]Switzerland 2-0 Algeria - FT[/a][/b][/p][h2]Live updates:[/h2][p][b]13:15 CET - [/b]As always, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-fifa-world-cup-2026-day-23-live-updates/OIT032Ft/"]make sure you follow all of today's action LIVE with us here![/a][/p][p][b]06:56 CET - [/b]All over, the Swiss fans are in raptures behind their goal, as their side have ended an 88-year wait for a knockout win at the World Cup, stretching all the way back to 1938.[/p][p]Goals from [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/embolo-breel/CpKkPKuP/"]Breel Embolo[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ndoye-dan/EmmpFCXN/"]Dan Ndoye[/a] earned them a 2-0 win over an Algeria side that never looked like troubling them.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/algeria-nc87N1BR/switzerland-rHJ2vy1B/report/?mid=rgxknWwh"]Read the report here.[/a][/p][image alt="Switzerland - Algeria match momentum" id="725fe552-099d-4d44-ab77-0811734b52f6" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="30ffb7eb-55ce-4b39-9cd3-08ec8262653e" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][i][b]Josh Donaldson at BC Place: [/b][/i]Of all the last 32 encounters we have had at this World Cup, this may have been the simplest for a side to win. Switzerland come out on top, but they were never really tested by an Algeria side that struggled to create anything, going out with a whimper. A tougher test awaits them in the next round, but this Swiss side have a relatively clear run all the way to the quarters.[/p][p][b]06:50 CET - [/b]Into stoppage time in Vancouver, and the Swiss are waltzing to victory over Algeria, barring a miracle, to face either Colombia or Ghana back here on July 7th for a place in the quarter-finals.[/p][p][b]06:40 CET - Miss of the tournament? [/b]Switzerland should be three to the good as [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/rieder-fabian/GQOPPSgM/"]Fabian Rieder[/a] gets onto a Denis Zakaria cross. With the goal at his mercy and a yard out, he manages to mishit into Luca Zidane, who was behind the initial shot.[/p][p][b]06:30 CET -[/b] More changes for both sides, with the biggest surprise seeing Riyad Mahrez depart the field. In truth, he has struggled to make any real impact on the game - [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/moussa-anis-hadj/0vqEKboE/"]Anis Hadj Moussa[/a] is on to see what he can bring to the table.[/p][p][b]06:25 CET  - [i]Josh Donaldson at BC Place[/i]: [/b]Hope is fading fast here for Algeria, who really have struggled to attack with cohesion and pace, shown by their opponents tonight.[/p][p]Riyad Mahrez tries to thread a ball into full-back  Rafik Belghali, but it's slightly overhit and goes out harmlessly for a goal kick. It's the right idea, but poor execution - the story of their night as we reach the second hydration break.[/p][image alt="Vladimir Petkovic speaks to his charges during the hydration break" id="e131a733-2cb7-4722-9ded-b0e617aca35d" credit-line="Albert Gea / Reuters" guid="1177741f-22c0-4e8f-a2d0-e4ff5e90dc97" original-width="5746" original-height="3500" /][p][b]06:17 CET - [/b]First two changes on the night for Algeria with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/aouar-houssem/E7gaowFp/"]Houssem Aouar[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/zerrouki-ramiz/84ievKCO/"]Ramiz Zerrouki[/a] coming off for [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/gouiri-amine/K0zFVdU8/"]Amine Gouiri[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/hadjam-jaouen/WOYIq4cD/"]Jaouen Hadjam[/a].[/p][p][b]06:11 CET - [i]Josh Donaldson at BC Place[/i]: [/b]A hush descends over a shellshocked Algeria support after Dan Ndoye's second-half strike. Any momentum they had built before the break has been obliterated, and they must climb the mountain to get back into this. A crumb of comfort may come from [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-world-championship-old-wounds-opened-up-for-senegal-as-tielemans-inspires-belgium-in-wild-comeback/Mc71TP3j/"]yesterday's game in Seattle[/a], where Belgium faced the same predicament, getting out of it with two late goals. It couldn't happen again, could it?[/p][p][b]06:06 CET - [/b]Algeria fail to clear their lines, and Switzerland pounce! A botched hack away from goal is intercepted by [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ndoye-dan/EmmpFCXN/"]Dan Ndoye[/a] on the edge of the box, and he finds the bottom corner to make it 2-0.[/p][image alt="Dan Ndoye fires home for Switzerland" id="57037c2f-6cf1-4555-a5c3-65e4535e1f0b" credit-line="Albert Gea / Reuters" guid="c03814d1-cf73-4061-8d59-7b2d6b966737" original-width="4953" original-height="3100" /][p][b]06:05 CET - [/b]No changes at half-time for both sides, as the second half gets underway.[/p][p][b]05:50 CET - [i]Josh Donaldson at BC Place[/i]: [/b]Half-time and it's been a frustrating watch for the Algerian fans here. They've seen their team struggle to break down Switzerland and even when they've had openings, their finishing has let them down. Ibrahim Maza was the latest to fluff his lines just before the break, taking the ball off of Houssem Aouar's foot, who looked better placed.[/p][p]Despite the brilliance of Johan Manzambi, Switzerland have been happy to sit back and contain their opponents.[/p][image alt="Switzerland - Algeria match momentum" id="a43c34f0-ed97-4a2b-9cf7-0dcd4bfc3c85" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="ab302357-1b92-4707-8e71-d12c231f84a3" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]05:45 CET - [/b]Algeria, finally, finding their feet in a game where they have struggled to find the right pass. A teasing cross from Houssem Aouar nearly picks out Rafik Belghali at the back post, but the full-back can't keep it in. Better from the African side.[/p][p][b]05:35 CET - [/b]First card of the game goes to Algeria's [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/fares-chaibi/IusyCIkS/"]Fares Chaibi[/a], after he pulls down a lightning-fast Johan Manzambi. The Swiss number nine continues to be a menace.[/p][p][b]05:32 CET -[/b] The pace of Switzerland's forwards is causing Algeria all sorts of problems, especially down the left. It is Ruben Vargas' turn to skip into the area, evading challenges, but unlike Johan Manzambi, he can't find the final ball.[/p][p][b]05:25 CET - [i]Josh Donaldson at BC Place[/i]: [/b]A telling stat as we go into the hydration break is passes in the final third. Algeria have completed 37, whilst Switzerland are at just 10.[/p][p]The Swiss are hitting on the counter, with Johan Manzambi leading the charge, whilst the Algerians are getting congested around the area, unable to penetrate the low block.[/p][p]Expect their wingers to come inside more as the game goes on, looking to create overloads.[/p][image alt="Algeria's passing network" id="7e204a22-8d85-4406-9861-3f7d10e4fed0" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Anne-Marie Sorvin" guid="4d5827aa-4be1-4f83-92ef-efe17a5bf2bf" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]05:15 CET -[/b] It could, and probably should be two to Switzerland. Again, Johan Manzambi is the architect, chipping the ball into the box, causing chaos. It eventually falls to [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/zakaria-denis/d23lOQrL/"]Denis Zakaria[/a], but the ball is behind him and he can't connect cleanly with the shot, falling into the grateful arms of Luca Zidane.[/p][p]After that, Manzambi is down on the floor, requiring treatment. Luckily, he's back on his feet.[/p][p][b]05:11 CET - Sucker-punch from Switzerland, as they lead in the 10th minute![/b] It's a blistering run from Johan Manzambi, beating two down the left, taking the ball all the way to the byline before teeing up [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/embolo-breel/CpKkPKuP/"]Breel Embolo[/a] to finish it off.[/p][image alt="Breel Embolo opens the scoring for Switzerland" id="28b9dc54-f4a1-4dd2-9cc8-cec62bc01e30" credit-line="Lee Smith / Reuters" guid="061bedf0-316e-4923-99d2-c5017ae54242" original-width="3848" original-height="2375" /][p][b]05:10 CET - [/b]Josh Donaldson at BC Place: Already a frenetic atmosphere inside BC Place, with every Algeria fan on their feet, imploring the referee to give a penalty after [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/zerrouki-ramiz/84ievKCO/"]Ramiz Zerrouki[/a] goes down in the box, but the referee waves it away.[/p][p]It's been a fast start from the African side, playing a wide 4-3-3, looking to get it wide at every opportunity. It's almost caught the Swiss off guard.[/p][p][b]05:05 CET - [/b]First big chance falls to [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/aouar-houssem/E7gaowFp/"]Houssem Aouar[/a], unmarked on the penalty spot, and he is found by a low cross from Riyad Mahrez, but he scuffs his effort and it's easily cleared. A bit of a let-off for Switzerland.[/p][p][b]05:00 CET -[/b] Here we go then, it's going to be a historic night for either Switzerland or Algeria, who will make it in the last 16?[/p][p][b]04:56 CET - [/b]Anthems sung in Vancouver, and it's an early advantage for Algeria, their fans are making some real noise inside the stadium as it slowly fills up.[/p][p][b]04:51 CET - [i]Josh Donaldson at BC Place[/i]: [/b]Still not a full house, as they like to see in these parts, with kick-off approaching, and it will be an interesting night for Algeria manager, Vladimir Petkovic.[/p][p]He managed some of the Swiss team during his seven-year tenure with the national side from 2014 to 2021 - does this give his Algeria side a little added advantage?[/p][p][b]04:48 CET - [/b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mahrez-riyad/AkzHA2kB/"]Riyad Mahrez[/a] was always going to be Algeria's star player at this World Cup, and so far he has provided three goal involvements during the group stage, the most by an Algerian player at this tournament.[/p][p]What can he do tonight?[/p][image alt="Riyad Mahrez during the warm-up in Vancouver" id="2def5be2-ea51-4f84-a39c-1462fe1297cc" credit-line="Agustin Marcarian / Reuters" guid="e24f47b3-58ac-4ab8-b811-b6c7d8c7700f" original-width="4892" original-height="2948" /][p][b]04:35 CET -[/b] It's been 88 years since Switzerland won a knockout match at the World Cup, which came in 1938 against Germany after a replay.[/p][p]Tonight is a great chance for the Swiss to break that duck, and they will be relying on their breakout star, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/manzambi-johan/pIqmcnKc/"]Johan Manzambi[/a]. He may have only completed 29 passes at this World Cup, but he has been lethal, with three goals from three shots.[/p][p]He is down to play in the number 10 position tonight.[/p][image alt="Johan Manzambi warms up for Switzerland" id="64e8d6eb-5db4-402c-9f56-6c86b6165bb2" credit-line="IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters / Simon Fearn" guid="1bc09c33-7b83-4fda-abf6-3dde1cb759c2" original-width="2174" original-height="1454" /][p][b]04:20 CET - [i]Josh Donaldson at BC Place[/i]: [/b]This was supposed to be Canada's game in Vancouver, with the winner of Group B staying on the west coast until the round of 16. But their loss of Switzerland flipped the script, meaning this could a strange atmosphere inside the stadium tonight. With 40 minutes to go before kick-off, it is not half full, but there are pockets of Algerian supporters making some noise inside this cavernous bowl.[/p][p]The Swiss President has also made the trip here tonight.[/p][image alt="Switzerland President Guy Parmelin" id="27bdef54-dc6c-493b-ba29-9fb54163bd73" credit-line="Agustin Marcarian / Reuters" guid="1571ff85-cf65-40db-886f-2270f676abbe" original-width="3010" original-height="2071" /][p][b]03:50 CET -[/b] The lineups are in for our nightcap, and the big change for Algeria is the absence of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/gouiri-amine/K0zFVdU8/"]Amine Gouiri[/a] from the starting XI.[/p][p]He is replaced by [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ait-nouri-rayan/t4db4nTt/"]Rayan Ait-Nouri[/a] as the only change from the side who draw against Austria, with Vladimir Petkovic shuffling the pack further forward.[/p][p]For Switzerland, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/zakaria-denis/d23lOQrL/"]Denis Zakaria[/a] comes in at full back, whilst [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ndoye-dan/EmmpFCXN/"]Dan Ndoye[/a] takes the place of Djibril Sow on the right wing.[/p][image alt="Switzerland - Algeria lineups" id="a3852ac0-fd37-44d5-a6ff-de16b2dff1eb" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="eca75110-400c-45a4-8c27-05aa346aaa2a" original-width="1200" original-height="1200" /][p][b]03:32 CET - [/b]We've just about got our breath back from that steamy encounter in Toronto, but it's time to head west to the Pacific, where Josh Donaldson is inside BC Place for [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/switzerland/rHJ2vy1B/"]Switzerland[/a] vs [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/algeria/nc87N1BR/"]Algeria[/a], which is around 90 minutes away.[/p][p][i][b]Josh Donaldson at BC Place: [/b][/i]If it was tropical in Toronto, it's a gloomy, rainy day in Vancouver, with it feeling more like January than July.[/p][p]Despite this, the roof over this stadium is set to host the final round of the 32-game day, and despite the less-than-romantic names, if this tournament has taught us anything, it's to expect drama at any turn.[/p][p]Switzerland played their last game here where they beat co-hosts Canada to top Group B, whilst Algeria are used to playing Central European opponents, after drawing 3-3 with Austria to earn passage to the knockouts.[/p][p]The two nations have never met in a competitive match, but the Swiss have won the two friendlies played between the two.[/p][image alt="Switzerland - Algeria win probability" id="33920690-c244-4588-b643-e4501196ab0b" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="e025730e-5f4a-430e-9e0b-e5e4f98324f4" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]03:12 CET - [i]David Parkes from Toronto Stadium: [/i][/b]That could not have been any more dramatic if someone tried. After a first half where Portugal dominated proceedings - and should have scored multiple times - Croatia held their own and kept themselves in the game.[/p][p]It will be heartbreak for the Croats, who took the lead less than 10 minutes into the second half through Ivan Perisic, only for Portugal to level through a Ronaldo penalty and then Goncalo Ramos' header gets them over the line.[/p][p]Many will discuss the last-minute VAR decision to overturn Josko Gvardiol's goal, and it will be a gut-wrenching way to go out, but in the end, the team who created more throughout the 90 minutes plus prevail.[/p][p][b]03:09 CET - The referee has blown his whistle for full-time, and Portugal hold on for a 2-1 comeback win over Croatia. Goncalo Ramos is the hero for his nation, as his goal at the start of stoppage time decides the match.[/b][/p][image alt="Match Stats" id="93edb163-05ae-4cff-bc90-907c33052dc5" credit-line="Opta by Stats Perform" guid="96010741-15f4-4bbf-b221-38f4e5b605d6" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]03:07 CET - [i]David Parkes from Toronto Stadium: [/i][/b]They had to take several moments to clear the pitch there as a large number of bottles were thrown onto the field. Understandably so, they were not happy with the decision to recall the goal.[/p][p][b]03:04 CET - INCREDIBLE, ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. CROATIA HAVE A GOAL CALLED BACK! Just when you think you have seen everything, the match ends with the most unreal drama possible.[/b][/p][p][b]Croatia thought they tied the game as Josko Gvardiol put the ball in the back of the net, but after consultation with the VAR, the referee announces that the goal was not legal, as there was an offside in the build-up. Truly unbelievable scenes at Toronto Stadium.[/b][/p][p][b]02:55 CET - PORTUGAL SCORE IN STOPPAGE TIME. What a moment for Goncalo Ramos, who comes off the bench to score what may very well be the winner for Portugal! The ball in from Leao is spot on as he finds the Paris Saint-Germain man, who rises the highest and nods it past Livakovic. There is still time left, but what a time to score![/b][/p][image alt="Goncalo Ramos celebrates his winner for Portugal" id="8b32c946-ef18-4002-94d3-a27baef9c2bd" credit-line="REUTERS/Mike Segar" guid="bf4ab32c-e0ba-447d-8d82-1ca04a2bdac8" original-width="2211" original-height="1539" /][p][b]02:51 CET - [i]David Parkes from Toronto Stadium: [/i][/b]The fourth official puts up his substitution board, showing the number 10. That is how much time is left for someone to find a winner in regulation time. Lots of pressure for both teams, though Portugal have regained the momentum in the last little bit. Can someone sneak a goal at the death?[/p][p][b]02:41 CET - [i]David Parkes from Toronto Stadium: [/i][/b]This is going to be a very chaotic last 10 minutes in Toronto, as both Portugal and Croatia are trading blows. The latter just had a goal disallowed, but they have looked far more potent going forward. [/p][p]Cristiano Ronaldo was also just taken off, with the crowd's reaction showing complete disapproval. Ronaldo himself looked to be in disbelief, as he certainly was not expecting to come off. How will Portugal do without their leader?[/p][p][b]02:30 CET - [i]David Parkes from Toronto Stadium: [/i][/b]We were waiting for the moment where one of the captains would make the difference, and it is Ronaldo who shows his composure from the spot to level the score. There was a massive roar from the fans as Portugal celebrated their equaliser.[/p][p]We are at the hydration break for the second half, and the match has truly gotten interesting now. It is now a question of who can hold their nerve better for the final quarter of this match.[/p][p][b]02:27 CET - Portugal find the equaliser! The VAR asks the referee to look at a potential foul, and after review, the head official pointed to the spot. Up stepped Ronaldo, who sent Livakovic the wrong way to tie the game. Portugal's pressure pays off, and it is all tied up at one apiece.[/b][/p][image alt="Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his goal for Portugal" id="eb9f44f6-6787-4b14-ba14-29e80cf9dac2" credit-line="REUTERS/Mike Segar" guid="3e9830f4-fbda-4bf0-a8a2-1f384b9f1295" original-width="3787" original-height="2300" /][p][b]02:22 CET - [i]David Parkes from Toronto Stadium:[/i][/b][i] [/i]That is more like it from Portugal, who have picked up the pressure again. Ronaldo put the ball in the back of the net, but he is just offside. Very unfortunate there, as it was a very good finish.[/p][p]In the meantime, Roberto Martinez has just went a quadruple change, something quite rare. He does not take off his skipper, but this is quite the shake-up. Time will tell whether this turned out to be a good idea. The momentum is shifting Portugal's way again.[/p][p][b]02:18 CET - [i]David Parkes from Toronto Stadium: [/i][/b]What a turn of events here, as Portugal are suddenly the ones looking more frail defensively. Whatever Zlatko Dalic told his Croatian side at the break, it has certainly rejuvenated them. Not only have they scored, they are all over the field, putting Portugal under pressure.[/p][p][b]02:15 CET - [/b][b]And out of nowhere, Croatia go in front! The cross misses everyone and falls to Ivan Perisic, who takes a touch to control before firing it beyond Diogo Costa. Croatia lead less than 10 minuts into the restart.[/b][/p][image alt="Ivan Perisic celebrates his goal for Croatia" id="f34b5b85-cb95-4f48-957a-93f4d27fdd04" credit-line="IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Kevin Sousa" guid="b1a9f894-2450-4e69-9733-67dd35a96384" original-width="4117" original-height="2740" /][p][b]02:04 CET - [i]David Parkes from Toronto Stadium: [/i][/b]With the second half just about the start, it looks like Croatia are bringing on Igor Matanovic for Ante Budimir.[/p][p]It has been all Portugal, who could live to regret not finishing their chances in that first half. Croatia have been resilient defensviely, and if they progress, that will be the main reason why, but they offered nothing in the attacking phase. That is certainly a worrying sign for them.[/p][p][b]01:50 CET - [/b]It is half time at Toronto Stadium, and there are still no goals between Portugal and Croatia, despite the former applying much of the pressure and asking all the questions.[/p][image alt="Match Stats at half-time" id="017ac3bf-9be6-4ec2-934e-d55d8bb4f85f" credit-line="Opta by Stats Perform" guid="d34d4f76-161b-44fb-b275-34083b5cbdb8" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]01:25 CET - [i]David Parkes from Toronto Stadium: [/i][/b]Croatia's ability to stay resilient under heavy pressure is highly underrated. It would have been quite easy for them to crack, as it has been a one-sided opening quarter of the game. However, they are still in this.[/p][p]To be fair, Portugal should really be ahead as they have already had one or two quality chances that should have been buried. If they keep up this relentless pressure, it might end up being a matter of when and not if. [/p][p]Finally, starting Rafael Leao has proven to be a deliberate ploy by Roberto Martinez, who clearly wants to utilise his speed. Do not be surprised if the winger plays a key part in a goal. [/p][p][b]01:23 CET - [/b]We have reached the first half hydration break, with Portugal carrying much of the play. It is a wonder how the score is still 0-0![/p][image alt="Momentum" id="bf4a6eaa-ae75-4a6b-9cd5-dee593732587" credit-line="Opta by Stats Perform" guid="c0196bc2-2142-4204-888f-57e54e6f7409" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]01:06 CET - [i]David Parkes from Toronto Stadium: [/i][/b]What a fast start from Portugal! They should be ahead already, with Ronaldo having a very good chance inside the six-yard box. Croatia have been on the back foot in the opening exchanges.[/p][p][b]01:00 CET [/b]- And we are off and running in the second game of the day, as [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/portugal/WvJrjFVN/"]Portugal[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/portugal/WvJrjFVN/"]Croatia[/a] face off in what promises to be a blockbuster. It is the last dance for one of Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modric, adding even more intrigue to this match.[/p][image alt="Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric" id="98daf6e0-b545-4d7a-84f4-262208ef9342" credit-line="REUTERS/Dylan Martinez TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY" guid="5c7861e0-dce1-4263-8222-7a9229333f09" original-width="3826" original-height="2745" /][p][b]23:51 CET - [/b]The team news is in for the second match of the day, as [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/leao-rafael/AqOPWN5s/"]Rafael Leao[/a] makes his first start for [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/portugal/WvJrjFVN/"]Portugal[/a] at the World Cup. Meanwhile, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/croatia/K8aznggo/"]Croatia[/a] defender [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/gvardiol-josko/86K1f1fd/"]Josko Gvardiol[/a] remains on the bench.[/p][image alt="Line-ups" id="e07f2626-344a-4d9f-8b7c-017c55f651d6" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="ffa98ab7-4967-4327-8c7c-e903e6013dd1" original-width="1200" original-height="1200" /][p][b]22:59 CET - [/b]Well, that was commanding from [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/spain/bLyo6mco/"]Spain[/a]. A double from [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/oyarzabal-mikel/dQ1P695O/"]Mikel Oyarzabal[/a] has seen them ease to an emphatic 3-0 victory over [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/austria/naHiWdnt/"]Austria[/a], and they have truly arrived at the World Cup.[/p][p]Four games into the tournament, and Spain are yet to concede a goal. They move into the last 16, and Austria head out after a pretty timid display.[/p][image alt="Match stats" id="585573a1-894c-4aeb-87b7-e76b5f96513b" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="377ce7f3-84e1-4a02-a18a-60badae33f6e" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]22:51 CET -[/b] It is that combination again, as [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/oyarzabal-mikel/dQ1P695O/"]Mikel Oyarzabal[/a] finishes coolly for his second of the game from another [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/cucurella-marc/QTynbZd3/"]Marc Cucurella[/a] cross! Spain have been sensational today, and they lead 3-0.[/p][p][b]22:28 CET - [/b]2-0 Spain, and that is surely game, set and match![/p][p]Just before the hydration break, right back [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/porro-pedro/nTebDzHC/"]Pedro Porro[/a] has headed home from [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/baena-alex/bmeQTB92/"]Alex Baena[/a]'s cross in absolutely emphatic fashion, netting his first goal in a Spain shirt.[/p][p]Spain look irresistible at the moment, and the football is just glorious.[/p][image alt="Momentum graph" id="0baecb76-d3cf-4d30-8033-d6718ad7ed67" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="e236ce33-9277-444c-9b82-cddd535c280a" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]22:07 CET - [/b]We are back underway for the second half, as Spain look to solidify their position of strength, and Austria aim for a route back into the match![/p][p][b]21:50 CET - [/b]It is half-time, and Spain lead Austria 1-0. The Spanish are playing really well after a slow first 20 minutes, and should be leading by more. A good performance so far.[/p][image alt="Half-time stats" id="bc2de7b9-df6a-429c-a22b-ad9b14b9e5cb" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="71a70eb6-74c3-4bb2-a8f4-45e194973a0b" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]21:37 CET - [/b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/oyarzabal-mikel/dQ1P695O/"]Mikel Oyarzabal[/a] has given Spain the lead against Austria, sweeping home from a [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/cucurella-marc/QTynbZd3/"]Marc Cucurella[/a] cross for his third goal of the tournament! It is his 16th goal in his last 16 starts for his country.[/p][p]Spain have upped the ante since the hydration break and have looked good since.[/p][image alt="Oyarzabal sweeps home" id="f2739e79-014e-47ba-b7f0-666073698b79" credit-line="REUTERS / Matthew Childs" guid="34bbb19e-abce-47b8-a0a0-c67149650fff" original-width="3677" original-height="2220" /][p][b]21:23 CET - [/b]The first hydration break is here, and there is not too much to report at all. Spain have had 57% possession, but have done very little with it in a flat opening quarter.[/p][image alt="Momentum graph" id="f7ed5fa9-8518-49d1-aedd-549ca92fb072" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="4f76d6ea-79f7-4b70-b731-ec1a732473d0" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]21:00 CET - [/b]Spain vs Austria is now underway, as both teams target a spot in the last 16![/p][p][b]19:50 CET - [/b]It is team news time from the first match of the day at the World Cup! The big news is that [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/olmo-dani/2oVBOlPg/"]Dani Olmo[/a] returns to the Spain side after not starting the Uruguay game and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/baena-alex/bmeQTB92/"]Alex Baena[/a] keeps his place in the team after his crucial winning goal last time out.[/p][p]Check out the full lineups below:[/p][image alt="Starting lineups" id="3461e279-eba1-41d3-ac57-a03fd4a05af8" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="d4f40205-4d85-48ee-a01b-a5c519cfb6d7" original-width="1200" original-height="1200" /][p][b]18:00 CET - [/b]One of the stories of this World Cup undoubtedly has been [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ronaldo-cristiano/WGOY4FSt/"]Cristiano Ronaldo[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/messi-lionel/vgOOdZbd/"]Lionel Messi[/a] still delivering for their nations on the world stage despite being in the twilight of their careers.[/p][p]Flashscore decided to write a deep dive into exactly how important both have been and compare which is more influential to their nation:[/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/portugal-and-argentina-still-relying-on-ronaldo-and-messi-but-to-what-effect/hdji05em/"]Portugal and Argentina still relying on Ronaldo and Messi - but to what effect?[/a][/b][/p][p][b]15:08 CET - [/b]We have plenty of features for you to read ahead of the action which gets underway later today:[/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/what-to-expect-as-portugal-and-croatia-come-face-to-face-in-a-round-of-32-shoot-out/nigCBVBF/"]What to expect as Portugal and Croatia come face-to-face in a Round of 32 shoot-out[/a][/b][/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-world-championship-pau-cubarsi-the-best-defender-at-the-world-cup-and-a-silent-weapon-for-la-roja/AqgVSskC/"]One of the best defenders at the World Cup, Pau Cubarsi has been Spain's silent weapon[/a][/b][/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/petar-sucic-the-anti-star-shining-in-croatia-s-midfield-at-the-world-cup/lU4MU3Ka/"]Petar Sucic: The ‘anti star’ shining in Croatia’s midfield at the World Cup[/a][/b][/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/harry-kane-answers-big-game-questions-as-england-overcome-serious-d-r-congo-scare/hQmQhCdL/"]Harry Kane answers big-game questions as England overcome serious D.R. Congo scare[/a][/b][/p][p][b]13:00 CET - [/b]Good afternoon and welcome to what feels like a big day at the 2026 World Cup. It is a day when European stars take centre stage and the question is posed to [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/lamine-yamal/lAt3vEub/"]Lamine Yamal[/a]: Can he join fellow superstars [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mbappe-kylian/Wn6E2SED/"]Kylian Mbappe[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/haaland-erling/UmV9iQmE/"]Erling Haaland[/a] by taking this tournament by storm and delivering on the world stage? [/p][video alt="World Cup 2026: Spain - Cape Verde (video preview)" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="1e965133-5b53-426a-8787-df77a67cb850" id="94108c12-30bc-446a-87e9-b4e26b31b4c8" /][p]We will find out during the 90 minutes or longer of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/spain/bLyo6mco/"]Spain[/a] vs [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/austria/naHiWdnt/"]Austria[/a], after a long wait for day 22 to get underway. If Lamine does deliver or not, however, a day when Spain and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/portugal/WvJrjFVN/"]Portugal[/a] are both in World Cup action is a good one and one to look forward to tremendously.[/p][p][b]As always, take a look at our [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-world-championship-world-cup-highlights-usa-make-history-as-belgium-stage-incredible-comeback-over-senegal/nZFrCOYF/"]daily highlights piece here[/a] and relive all of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-world-cup-day-21-live-updates/IaN28BmR/"]yesterday's drama here[/a]. [/b][/p]