GUADALAJARA — Spain secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay on Friday, advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup despite a performance marked by early struggles and limited offensive fluidity. The result ensured Spain finished at the top of Group H, while Uruguay was eliminated after garnering just two points from three matches.
The decisive moment came in the 42nd minute when Spanish midfielder Alex Baena tapped in a cross from the right flank, slipping the ball past Uruguay’s goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. The save initially appeared routine, but Muslera was unable to contain the attempt. He did not return after halftime, with Sergio Rochet taking over in goal.
Spain, currently ranked second in the FIFA world rankings and widely regarded as a tournament favorite, faced a challenging test against Uruguay but managed to clinch the win in front of 45,065 spectators, many supporting the European side. Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente acknowledged the team’s physical effort but emphasized the need for improved attacking cohesion ahead of the high-stakes rounds ahead.
“It was a physically demanding match — extremely intense — and we rose to the occasion,” de la Fuente said. He also praised his squad’s growth potential, expressing confidence in their ability to progress deeper into the tournament.
Uruguay, coached by Marcelo Bielsa, struggled throughout the group stage, having previously failed to secure wins against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde—an unexpected qualifier who advanced with three draws. Bielsa conceded the team never found its rhythm and expressed personal disappointment after his side’s elimination.
“I wasn’t able to bring out the full potential of Uruguay’s players,” Bielsa said, reflecting on a campaign that fell short of expectations. His remarks underscored the mounting pressures and criticisms the Argentine coach has faced, both on and off the field, during his tenure.
The match ended on a tense note when Uruguay’s Agustín Canobbio was shown a red card in stoppage time for a hard foul on Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí. The decision by U.S. referee Ismail Elfath stirred protests from Uruguayan players but stood firm.
Looking ahead, Cape Verde, marking its World Cup debut, will face Argentina in the round of 32 on Friday in Miami. Spain will meet the runner-up of Group J in a knockout game scheduled at SoFi Stadium, following the final group-stage match between Algeria and Austria on Saturday.
Friday’s fixture was the last World Cup match held in Guadalajara and was preceded by a minute of silence honoring the victims of recent earthquakes in Venezuela, where authorities report over 1,400 fatalities and thousands missing.