The answer is simple:
Yes. Spain is absolutely back.
After a somewhat shaky group stage, Spain reminded everyone why they entered this World Cup as one of the favorites by dismantling Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32. More importantly, they still haven’t conceded a single goal in the entire tournament.
That’s not a typo.
Four matches played. Four clean sheets.
For a team that entered the tournament with questions about its attack, it has been the defense that has become the story. Luis de la Fuente’s side held Austria without a shot on target and continues to look nearly impossible to break down.
And now the attack is waking up.
After a scoreless draw against Cape Verde raised concerns, Spain comfortably handled Saudi Arabia and Uruguay before putting together its most complete performance yet against Austria. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice, Pedro Porro added another, and suddenly the goals are flowing.
Then there’s Lamine Yamal.
The Barcelona superstar has been working his way back to full fitness after a hamstring issue, but he looked much sharper against Austria. After the match he delivered a warning to the rest of the tournament:
“The World Cup starts now.”
That statement feels significant because Spain finally looks like Spain again.
The scary part?
They’re getting stronger.
Spain entered the knockout rounds on a 35-match unbeaten run in competitive matches, matching one of the greatest stretches in the country’s history.
Now comes the real test.
Spain will face Portugal in the Round of 16, a matchup loaded with stars. Yamal versus Ronaldo. Spain’s defense versus Portugal’s experience. If Spain gets through that game, the rest of the bracket should start paying very close attention.
Are they the favorites?
Maybe not quite ahead of Argentina, France, or Brazil yet.
But they are firmly in that top tier.
A team that doesn’t concede goals, controls possession, has world-class depth, and features a generational talent like Lamine Yamal is a team capable of winning the World Cup.
The group stage may have raised doubts.
The knockout stage has erased most of them.
