Spain Beat Uruguay To Top Group H As La Celeste Crash Out Of World Cup

European champions Spain condemned Uruguay to an early FIFA World Cup exit with a hard-fought 1-0 victory that saw Marcelo Bielsa’s side eliminated at the group stage for the second consecutive tournament.

Alex Baena’s decisive first-half strike secured Spain’s second win of the campaign, ensuring they finished top of Group H and advanced to the last 32, where they will face the runners-up from Group J.

For Uruguay, the defeat marked a bitter end to a disappointing campaign, as they finished with just two points from three matches.

Spain broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute after surviving sustained pressure from the South Americans. Baena turned smartly inside the penalty area before firing a low shot that slipped through the grasp of veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, despite the 40-year-old getting both hands to the ball.

The goal sparked protests from Uruguay, who believed Spain should have put the ball out of play moments earlier after Manuel Ugarte went down following a challenge. The midfielder later required treatment and was stretchered off the pitch.

Muslera’s costly mistake—his third error leading directly to a goal in as many World Cup matches—prompted head coach Marcelo Bielsa to make a bold decision at half-time, replacing the veteran, who was making his 137th international appearance, with Sergio Rochet.

However, the change failed to alter the course of the contest.

Spain controlled much of the second half, creating the better opportunities without extending their lead. Substitute Ferran Torres came closest to adding a second goal when his effort crashed against the crossbar late in the match.

Uruguay struggled to create clear-cut chances despite a late surge in search of an equaliser. Former Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez, restored to the starting line-up, squandered two promising opportunities in quick succession during the first half, while Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón was rarely seriously troubled.

The South Americans’ frustrations deepened in stoppage time when midfielder Agustín Canobbio was shown a straight red card for a reckless high challenge on Pau Cubarsí, ending any hopes of a dramatic late comeback.

The victory not only confirmed Spain as Group H winners but also marked the first time they have recorded two victories in a single World Cup tournament since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.