The Spanish team, which came as a strong contender for the title in the FIFA World Cup 2026, has made it to the pre-quarterfinals. It defeated Austria 3-0 in the round of 32 match. For Spain, Mikel Oyarzabal scored two goals, while Pedro Porro scored one goal. Spain maintained its streak of not conceding a single goal in this World Cup. The Austrian team could not get a single shot on goal, due to which Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon achieved a clean sheet (not conceding a single goal) for the fourth consecutive match.
With this, Unai has broken the 36-year-old record of not conceding a goal for the longest period in the history of the World Cup. He has not allowed any goal for 519 minutes in the Mahakumbh of football. Earlier this record was in the name of Italy’s famous goalkeeper Walter Zenga. He did not allow any goals for 517 consecutive minutes in the 1990 World Cup and kept clean sheets in five consecutive matches.
This record of Unai started from the last World Cup. Their goalless streak began during Spain’s 2–1 defeat to Japan and continued in the goalless draw with Morocco. Morocco then converted three of its four penalties against Unai in the penalty shootout, knocking Spain out of the tournament.
Unai was not included among the best goalkeepers of this World Cup, but this 29-year-old player has registered his name in the World Cup record book with his brilliant play. He has been the first choice goalkeeper for Spain for almost five years. He has retained his place despite competition from David Raya and Joan Garcia. The Spain coach has said about him, ‘I am proud of him. I feel like he is a member of my family. I am so happy for her.’
