Spain's controlled 3-0 victory over Austria on Thursday in the World Cup round of 32 reassured the Spanish press about La Roja's growing strength. However, one caveat remains.

After a somewhat sluggish group stage, Spain stepped up their game in the Round of 32 of the World Cup. On Thursday, they stifled Austria (3-0) and made a strong collective impression, whereas they had sometimes struggled against Cape Verde (0-0) and Uruguay (1-0 victory). "Hope is back," hailed the Catalan daily Sport regarding one of the favorites to win the title. The paper focused on the very impressive performance of Lamine Yamal, who was named man of the match despite not scoring. "The Barcelona player delivered a true technical masterclass—featuring feints, nutmegs, quick changes of direction, and dangerous crosses—much to the delight of the spectators, whether they were Spanish fans or simply football enthusiasts," the newspaper praised.

"We are understaffed, we don't have many options."

Other newspapers also referenced Los Angeles, where the match was played. "It's Hollywood," quipped As on its website. "Like Angels," headlined the print edition. "Los Angeles is the perfect setting for a film, and Spain didn't hesitate to deliver their best performance of this World Cup, under the palm trees and surrounded by celebrities. A match worthy of their talent, at times reminiscent of the team that won the European Championship two years ago," the article praised, noting that Spain had secured their first victory in a World Cup finals in 16 years. "A cinematic Spain," Marca described, while Mundo Deportivo witnessed a "recital." So much for the well-deserved praise. But other voices expressed concern about a potential problem ahead for coach Luis De La Fuente.

"I think we're a bit short-staffed, which means we don't have, or won't have, many options," said journalist Juanma Castaño on the program Partizado de Cope. "In matches where we need to make substitutions or unlock the game from the bench, we lack players on the wings," added another commentator, Mario Suárez. This lack of depth is linked to the injury of Nico Williams, who injured his right adductor against Uruguay and is very doubtful for the rest of the World Cup. Yeremi Pino, another option on the wings, injured his shoulder in the same match, forcing Alex Baena to play (brilliantly) on the left wing against Austria.

"If the match against Portugal (in the round of 16) or the United States (in a potential quarter-final) is close and we need a fast winger for the last fifteen minutes, we don't have one," commentator Manolo Lama also worried. Center forward Borja Iglesias could be a solution, but he doesn't convince the show's panel at all. "If Borja Iglesias comes on, it means we're in serious trouble, I'm convinced of it," he added, specifying that it would be "bad news for Spain."