The Red Fury arrived at the World Cup in North America as one of the tournament favorites. More precisely, just before the group stage began, the Pyrenees' guests were considered the main contenders for the trophy. Yet in the first matchday the Spaniards could not cope with the World Cup debutants—the players from Cape Verde. Even Lamine Yamal, who came on, failed to sharpen the attack as the game smoothly slid into a goalless draw. Bookmakers and football pundits were puzzled by Spain's lack of that performance, the game on which they had become winners of the latest Euros and the UEFA Nations League. Subsequently, the situation with both Spain's play and results evened out, but the status of favorites this team could not reclaim. In the second round the Spaniards crushed Saudi Arabia 4-0, and in the final group-stage match they defeated a Uruguay side clinging to life 1-0. Spain advanced to the knockout stage from the top of the group, but only in the knockout rounds can they truly prove their ambition to win the World Cup. Fortunately, the opponent they drew is not the one that would let them pass on one leg, but the one that will truly probe the Red Fury's true level. Austria fought tooth and nail in the group stage of the tournament. If in the first round they barely edged a win over Jordan, in the second they failed to collect any points against Argentina. To the credit of the European side, the reigning world champions did not dominate them in terms of play, and the result was influenced by Lionel Messi's incredible class. Finally, in the last group-stage round Austria was in control in the clash with Algeria and could settle for a draw. However, the Africans decided to go for the win and barely snatched it, a couple of minutes before the final whistle putting the Austrians on the brink of elimination. Austria managed to level the score and earned the most dramatic passage to the knockout stage. As it turned out, second place in the group sent Austria into the jaws of one of the World Cup's most dangerous beasts. In the camp of the nominal guests they fully realize that standing against Spain with defense alone is impossible. Most likely, they will adopt the tactics of facing Argentina, when Austria often went forward and sought to score. In such a game there will be at least three goals.