Alex Baena’s first-half strike proved enough as Spain edged Uruguay 1-0 on Friday to finish atop Group H and advance to the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, while Marcelo Bielsa’s side suffered a shock group-stage exit.
Spain ended the group with seven points from two wins and a draw, while tournament debutants Cape Verde claimed the second qualification spot with three draws. Uruguay, two-time world champions, bowed out with just two points, level with Saudi Arabia but behind on goal difference.
Baena broke the deadlock three minutes before half-time, capitalising on a rare lapse in the Uruguay defence. With both Manuel Ugarte and Lamine Yamal receiving treatment on the pitch as play continued, the midfielder found space on the edge of the area and drilled a low effort past veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
The goal capped a first half in which Spain had gradually taken control after Uruguay made the brighter start. Baena twice delivered inviting set-pieces for Pau Cubarsi, whose headers narrowly missed the target, while Uruguay squandered their best chance when Federico Valverde intercepted a loose Rodri pass and slipped Darwin Nunez through on goal, only for the striker’s audacious backheel attempt to go begging.
Uruguay pushed forward after the interval in search of an equaliser but struggled to trouble Spain’s disciplined backline despite enjoying more possession.
Substitute Federico Vinas fired over from a Maxi Araujo cross, while Spain remained dangerous on the counterattack. Dani Olmo dragged a shot wide after neat work from Yamal before Ferran Torres rattled the crossbar following a swift break led by Fabian Ruiz.
As Uruguay threw bodies forward in the closing stages, goalkeeper Unai Simon produced crucial saves to deny Mathias Olivera and Nicolas de la Cruz, preserving Spain’s slender advantage.
The frustration of an underwhelming campaign boiled over in stoppage time when Agustin Canobbio was sent off for a late challenge on Cubarsi, bringing Uruguay’s disappointing World Cup journey to an abrupt end.
Spain now head into the knockout stage as Group H winners, while Cape Verde’s historic qualification leaves Uruguay reflecting on a campaign that ended far earlier than expected.