)
Austria enters the World Cup Round of 16 with a nothing-to-lose mentality against reigning European champions Spain.
Having secured their spot in the knockout phase after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Algeria in their final group stage match, the Austrian squad, considered underdogs, will be able to play with more freedom against one of the tournament favorites.
Austria's German coach, Ralf Rangnick, praised Spain's squad and playing style on Wednesday, but also jokingly pointed out that his team had scored more goals (6) in the group stage than the Spaniards (5).
Austria can also draw confidence from history, as this marks the first encounter between the two nations in 25 years.
After clinching the title in South Africa in 2010, Spain failed to advance from the group stage in 2014, and in the last two World Cups, they were eliminated in their very first knockout match.
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
&format=webp)