The World Cup round of 32 is underway, with only six spots remaining in the round of 16. The slate is highlighted by a matchup between highly touted Spain and Austria in Inglewood, California, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal battles Croatia and Switzerland faces Algeria in games that will be played in Canada.

Spain Looks to Break Knockout Round Drought

Spain improbably has failed to win a knockout round match in its last three World Cups, but coach Luis De La Fuente’s team is the favorite to finally get it done when La Roja faces Austria on Thursday at SoFi Stadium. Since winning the Cup in South Africa in 2010, Spain failed to get out of group play in 2014 before losing its first knockout match in each of the past two World Cups.

Austria has little to lose after snagging a knockout round spot through its electrifying 3-3 draw with Algeria to end group play. Ralf Rangnick, the Austrians’ German coach, exemplified that mentality Wednesday when he praised Spain’s roster and its style of play — but also playfully pointed out that his team scored more goals (6) in the group stage than Spain (5), and also has the only Real Madrid player on either roster.

Other Matches

Portugal will face Croatia in Toronto, while Switzerland takes on Algeria in Vancouver, British Columbia. Either Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modric will likely have their World Cup career come to an end on Thursday.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.