Simon sets record between the sticks

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon has the longest shutout streak in World Cup history, breaking a 36-year-old record after keeping another clean sheet against Austria on Thursday — his fourth in a row at the current tournament.

Simon hasn't allowed a goal in 519 consecutive minutes across the past two World Cups.

He broke the record set in 1990 by famed Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga, who recorded 517 straight scoreless minutes and five consecutive clean sheets at his home World Cup.

Simon isn't the most famous goalkeeper in this competition — or even on his own team — but the 29-year-old Athletic Bilbao mainstay's outstanding play at the back of Spain's superb defense has launched him into the World Cup record books.

Spain has yet to allow a goal at this World Cup, and its Basque stopper has only had to make four saves — not even dirtying his gloves against Austria, which got none of its five shots on target.

"I feel proud of him," Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. "I feel like he is a member of my family. I'm very happy for him."

Simon has been Spain's first choice between the sticks for most of the past half-decade, keeping the job despite competition from David Raya and Joan Garcia.

Simon owes his international success to his stellar results and to his tight bond with De la Fuente, who has largely resisted calls to give more playing time to other goalkeepers with more accomplished club careers.

Under De la Fuente, Spain has just one loss in 37 competitive matches, going unbeaten in its last 35 straight.

Spain has won the 2023 Nations League and the 2024 European Championship with Simon in the net, and now it has won a World Cup knockout match for the first time in 16 years.

"(Simon) played a very big role in the victory, but it's not just about individuals," De la Fuente said. "It's about the whole group coming together for that defensive effort."

AP