Spain vs Austria LIVE: Team news and latest as Yamal bids for World Cup success and European champions face tricky test

There is a not insignificant chance that penalties are required today, with both goalkeepers surely swotting up on their shootout strategies this week. With the help of a couple of experts, Miguel Delaney explains how the best shot-stoppers prepare:

A Schlager; Posch, Danso, Alaba, Laimer; Seiwald, X Schlager; Schmid, Wanner, Sabitzer; Gregoritsch

One man who will know plenty in the Spanish ranks is Austria captain David Alaba, who has recently concluded his five-year spell with Real Madrid. The versatile veteran has had a somewhat curious international career, featuring just about everywhere for his nation as they sought to get the best out of probably their finest talent. His job today will be stalling Lamine Yamal and co.

Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarazabal

One might have thought that Spain and Austria were relatively familiar foes from various Uefa qualifying pools, but this is actually a first meeting since 2009 for the pair. Those of a certain vintage might remember their encounter during the 1978 World Cup, with Austria’s win helping them into the second group stage.

Right, we should have team news relatively sharp-ish from Los Angeles. Who will join Lamine Yamal in Spain’s front three?

Spain coach Luis de ​la Fuente said his talent-rich squad was ready to face Austria in their World Cup last-32 match on Thursday with Lamine Yamal, Victor Munoz and Yeremy Pino all ⁠available for selection.

“What I am seeing this week is ⁠that the team is beginning to recognise things to fix ​in ⁠their results so far”, De la Fuente suggested.

Lamine Yamal’s game time has been managed carefully so far in the tournament, but De la Fuente said he was now available to play for as much of the match as required. The Barcelona forward has been eased through the tournament after an April hamstring tear, while Pino has recovered from a ⁠left shoulder sprain and Munoz is fit again after a muscle injury, though he has not competed for some time.

Today’s victor will face another in-continent foe with Portugal and Croatia set to battle a little later. Ahead of that one, Richard Jolly takes a look at the contrasting fortunes of Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo as the former teammates clash:

We’re in Los Angeles today, with Spain and Austria just starting to ready themselves at the ground usually known as SoFi Stadium. The sparkling arena will host one of the quarter-finals and has a capacity of 70,000.