Alex Baena’s first-half winner secures a 1-0 victory as Spain advance to the knockout stage unbeaten
Spain sealed top spot in Group H and ended Uruguay’s FIFA World Cup campaign with a disciplined 1-0 victory on Friday, as Alex Baena’s first-half goal proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter.
The narrow win ensured the reigning European champions progressed to the Round of 32 unbeaten with seven points from three matches. Cabo Verde advanced as group runners-up with three points, while Uruguay exited the tournament after collecting only two points.
Spain will now travel to Los Angeles for their Round of 32 fixture on July 2, where they will face an opponent to be confirmed.
Before kick-off at Guadalajara Stadium, players, officials and supporters observed a minute’s silence in memory of the victims of the recent earthquake in Venezuela.
Spain dominated possession from the outset, controlling the tempo with their trademark passing game. Lamine Yamal looked lively in the opening stages, forcing Uruguay’s defence into early mistakes, while Pedri and Martín Zubimendi dictated play from midfield.
Uruguay’s first meaningful opportunity came from a free-kick that goalkeeper Unai Simón failed to gather cleanly, although Spain’s defenders quickly cleared the danger.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side gradually settled into the contest after the cooling break, with Maximiliano Araújo providing attacking impetus down the flank and Rodrigo Bentancur going close with a powerful effort that sailed just over the crossbar.
Spain eventually made their dominance count in the 42nd minute. Marcos Llorente delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, where Alex Baena produced an excellent first touch before turning sharply and firing a low shot that slipped through the hands of Fernando Muslera and into the net.
Uruguay responded by replacing Muslera with Sergio Rochet at half-time and adopting a more attacking approach after the restart. Nicolás de la Cruz injected creativity into midfield, but Spain’s well-organised defence remained composed and restricted clear-cut opportunities.
The South Americans threatened during the closing stages as Mathías Olivera forced Simón into a smart save at his near post before De la Cruz tested the Spanish goalkeeper with a long-range strike.
Spain also came close to extending their advantage when Ferran Torres struck the crossbar after a swift attacking move.
Uruguay’s frustrations boiled over in stoppage time when Agustín Canobbio was shown a straight red card following a high challenge on Nico Williams, bringing a disappointing World Cup campaign to an unhappy conclusion.
Spain’s controlled and professional performance reinforced their status as one of the tournament favourites, while Uruguay bowed out after failing to convert promising spells into the results needed to reach the knockout rounds.
