Kick-off at the Los Angeles stadium was barely a minute old when Lamine Yamal tested Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager with a low shot from 20 yards after a sharp Spain break. The European champions were immediately on the front foot, pressing for an early goal in the World Cup round-of-32 tie.
But much of the pre-match attention had centred on Austria defender Stefan Posch, who took to the field in a distinctive protective jaw brace. The reason: a broken jaw sustained during Austria’s 3-1 win over Jordan in their tournament opener. Head coach Ralf Rangnick revealed that Posch had to travel to Los Angeles twice to be fitted for the brace, which allowed him to play despite the injury. A CT scan confirmed surgery was not required.
“Austria's Stefan Posch plays with a protective jaw brace after breaking his jaw, as Spain's Lamine Yamal tests the goalkeeper early.”
The brace had already been tested in Austria’s previous match against world champions Argentina in Dallas. Within seven minutes, Posch and Xaver Schlager brought down Lautaro Martinez, conceding a penalty. Lionel Messi stepped up but missed the target entirely, failing to become the World Cup’s outright top scorer. Posch was later booked for a shoulder barge into the face of Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, who hit the deck after a nasty collision.
Austria emerged from Group J in second place after a last-gasp draw against Algeria, setting up this clash with Spain. As the knockout stages heat up, the likes of France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina are all serious contenders — while England believe football might finally be coming home, with Harry Kane on fire. Heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands have already been knocked out on penalties in the Round of 32.
For now, all eyes are on Posch and his unusual headgear. Can Austria withstand Spain’s attack and progress further? The first minute suggested they will have to weather plenty more.