Spain faces Austria in World Cup knockout as both sides reject underdog label

Spanish camp radiates confidence

Spain touched down in Los Angeles convinced that their World Cup is about to ignite. "We have high confidence. We have come here to win this Cup and we have the team to do it," said midfielder Álex Baena. Head coach Luis de la Fuente acknowledged the team has not yet hit its stride, but he sees daily improvement. "As the days go by I trust this team more blindly. Everyone would like this to be a fairy tale, but that doesn't exist," he told reporters at the Sofi Stadium. Marc Cucurella promised a sharper display, telling journalists: "Tomorrow you are going to see a good version of the team and we will play a great match."

Austria promises a fearless approach

Austria reached the knockout stage for the first time since 1954 and captain David Alaba stressed they are not traveling to California just to participate. "We know our strengths and if we use them on the pitch, we can make life difficult for a rival like that and even beat them. That is our objective. We will give everything," he said. Alaba, who left Real Madrid at the end of last season, described the tie as special but insisted the pressure is on the European champions. Former Austria striker Anton Polster, the country's all-time leading scorer with 44 goals, said Spain are favourites but warned that the tournament has already shown the danger of so-called smaller nations. "I don't want to make predictions, but I hope it's an exciting match," the ex-Sevilla, Logroñés and Rayo Vallecano forward noted.

Lamine Yamal says his level is rising

Winger Lamine Yamal admits he is not yet fully sharp but believes his form is climbing at the right moment. "I'm very well, with lots of desire and excitement. I'm at 80 or 90 per cent and rising... I'm available for 90 minutes against Austria," he said in an interview. The Barcelona teenager brushed aside criticism of Spain's performances, insisting that winning is all that matters in a short tournament. He added a bold prediction: "I think we are going to win the World Cup this year." Yamal said he feels no pressure wearing the number 10 role and trusts his ability to change a match.

Penalties rehearsed amid elimination fears

Spain have practised spot kicks in their final training sessions in Chattanooga and Los Angeles, conscious that shootouts already eliminated Germany and the Netherlands in this tournament. "We have rehearsed penalties because we are seeing that it is going to be an important factor," Baena confirmed. Cucurella and Grimaldo both stated they would happily step up if needed. La Roja's last two World Cup campaigns ended on penalties, against hosts Russia in 2018 and Morocco in Qatar, and de la Fuente is leaving nothing to chance.

Defence holds the key

Pau Cubarsí, the 19-year-old Barcelona centre-back, said clean sheets are the foundation for success. "Keeping a clean sheet is the most key thing, and we are good at the back," he said, noting that Spain did not concede in the group stage. He praised his partnership with Aymeric Laporte and added that any moment of relaxation could spell elimination. "We have to be a big family, stay united. Now the matches start where any mistake can send you home."