Spain secured top spot in Group H and booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uruguay on Saturday.
Álex Baena scored the only goal of the contest just before half-time as Luis de la Fuente’s side completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign with seven points from three matches.
The result also confirmed Uruguay’s exit from the tournament after Marcelo Bielsa’s men failed to record a victory in the group phase.
Uruguay began brightly, pressing high and looking to disrupt Spain’s rhythm, but clear-cut chances proved difficult to come by in a tightly contested opening period.
Spain gradually assumed control through their patient passing game, with Pedri and Rodri dictating play in midfield while Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams stretched the Uruguayan defence with their pace and movement.
The breakthrough arrived in the 42nd minute following a costly mistake by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. His error allowed Baena to pounce and calmly slot home, handing Spain a crucial advantage before the interval.
Uruguay suffered another setback moments earlier when midfielder Manuel Ugarte was forced off through injury, disrupting Bielsa’s plans as his side searched for a route back into the contest.
Spain controlled possession for much of the second half but were unable to add to their lead, while Uruguay struggled to create the clear opportunities needed to salvage their World Cup campaign.
Bielsa introduced fresh attacking options as the clock ticked down, but Spain remained disciplined defensively and comfortably protected their slender advantage.
The South Americans’ frustrations were compounded deep into stoppage time when Agustín Canobbio was shown a straight red card following a reckless challenge, ending Uruguay’s night on a disappointing note.
The victory ensured Spain advanced as Group H winners, while Cape Verde joined them in the knockout stage after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia.
Spain head into the Round of 32 unbeaten, having conceded no goals in three group matches, and will be among the teams to watch as the tournament enters the knockout phase.
For Uruguay, it was a disappointing end to a campaign that promised much but ultimately yielded only two points from three matches, leaving the two-time world champions to exit before the last 32.
