Luis de la Fuente’s side topped Group H with seven points after a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde before beating Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0. Although Spain have not always been in top form, the head coach believes that his team is improving with every game.
“This team is used to breaking records and overcoming challenges; we are determined to move forward,” said de la Fuente, adding that the players will begin to identify areas that need improvement as the tournament progresses.
Austria, meanwhile, are enjoying their best World Cup campaign in over seven decades. Ralf Rangnick’s men finished second in Group J after defeating Jordan 3-1, losing 2-0 to Argentina and drawing 3-3 with Algeria. Despite Austria scoring six goals in the group stage, Rangnick admitted his side will have to raise their level against unbeaten Spain.
One of the biggest challenges for Austria is stopping 18-year-old Lamine Yamal. The Spanish striker has returned from a stomach injury and is expected to play in the knockout stages after scoring once in the squad.
Historically, Spain have won, remaining unbeaten in their last five meetings with Austria, although their last World Cup campaign ended in a 2-1 victory in Austria in 1978.
Thursday’s winner will face either Portugal or Croatia in the round of 16, with both sides chasing the competition’s last 16 places.