Spain remain unbeaten and unbreached in the group stage, while Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay crash out of the World Cup after another disappointing performance. Baena scores the winner, Muslera’s mistake proves costly, and Canobbio sees red deep into stoppage time.
Match Report
Spain did not sparkle, but they did exactly what great tournament teams are supposed to do: win, control the tempo, and advance.
La Roja defeated Uruguay 1-0 in Guadalajara to secure first place in Group H with seven points and, remarkably, without conceding a single goal during the group stage. For Uruguay and Marcelo Bielsa, meanwhile, the result marks the end of a frustrating World Cup campaign, with only two points collected from three matches.
Spain dictated possession from the opening whistle, relying on the creativity of Pedri, the unpredictability of Lamine Yamal and the composure of Rodri in midfield. Uruguay struggled to create danger and rarely managed to involve Darwin Núñez in threatening situations.
The decisive moment arrived three minutes before halftime.
After a flowing move involving Pedri and Yamal, Marcos Llorente delivered a low cross into the penalty area. Álex Baena controlled and fired a right-footed effort toward goal, but what looked like a routine save turned into disaster for Fernando Muslera. The veteran goalkeeper allowed the tame shot to slip through his hands and into the net, committing another costly error after an already difficult tournament.
Bielsa reacted by replacing Muslera with Rochet at halftime, but the change did little to alter the course of the match.
Spain nearly doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute when Yamal accelerated down the right flank and squared for Dani Olmo, who inexplicably shot wide from close range.
Ferran Torres then came within inches of sealing the victory in the 87th minute, exchanging passes with Fabián Ruiz before rattling the crossbar.
Uruguay offered very little in response. Federico Valverde was unable to influence proceedings, Manuel Ugarte struggled in midfield, and Darwin Núñez remained isolated throughout the contest.
To compound a miserable evening, Facundo Canobbio was sent off in the 95th minute after receiving a straight red card.
Spain now march into the Round of 32 full of confidence and with one of the tournament’s stingiest defenses. Uruguay, expected by many to contend for a deep run, leave the United States earlier than anticipated after a campaign that never truly got going.
Match Report
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
Goal: 42′ Baena
Uruguay (4-3-3): Muslera (46′ Rochet); Varela, Cáceres, Olivera, Sanabria (70′ B. Rodríguez); Bentancur, Ugarte (45′ De la Cruz), Valverde (57′ Viñas); Canobbio, Núñez, M. Araújo.
Coach: Marcelo Bielsa
Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simón; Llorente, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Merino (60′ Dani Olmo), Rodri, Pedri (60′ Fabián Ruiz); Lamine Yamal (76′ Nico Williams), Oyarzabal (76′ Ferran Torres), Baena (66′ Yeremy Pino).
Coach: Luis de la Fuente
Referee: Ismail Elfath (United States)
Booked: Baena, Sanabria, Varela, De la Cruz
Sent off: Canobbio 90+5′
Group H Final Standings
| Pos. | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 7 | Qualified |
| 2 | Cape Verde | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 5 | Qualified |
| 3 | Uruguay | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 2 | Eliminated |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | -5 | 1 | Eliminated |
