Spain did just enough in Zapopan on Friday, grinding out a 1-0 win over Uruguay after Álex Baena's low drive slipped past veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera late in the first half. The mishandled shot was the difference on the scoreboard and in the standings, clinching top spot in Group H for La Roja and slamming the door on Uruguay's tournament.
According to News4JAX, Baena's 42nd-minute effort was not cleanly gathered by the 40-year-old keeper, whose spill turned into his third high-profile mistake of the group stage. Coach Marcelo Bielsa responded with a bold call at the break, hauling Muslera off at halftime in a last-ditch attempt to jolt his team back into the contest.
As reported by The Straits Times, Spain finished Group H on seven points, with Cape Verde sneaking into the second qualifying spot on three. Uruguay also ended on three points but slipped to third and fell short of advancing as one of the best third-place teams.
Spain Heads To Inglewood
Spain's reward is a knockout date in Southern California. La Roja will face the runner-up from Group J, either Austria or Algeria, next Thursday in Inglewood, California, in what will be their first elimination match on U.S. soil. According to News4JAX, finishing on top of the group also hands Spain a valuable extra cushion of rest before the Round of 32 begins.
For Uruguay, the afternoon unraveled in familiar frustration. Agustín Canobbio was sent off in stoppage time for a reckless challenge, and midfielder Manuel Ugarte had to be carried off on a stretcher with a suspected knee injury. Those late flashpoints summed up a bruising and ultimately futile group campaign for La Celeste and left fans demanding answers on and off the pitch, as reported by The Straits Times.
Spain now turns fully toward the knockout rounds with a few days to reset, while Uruguay heads home to a long inquest over selection and personnel. Southern California supporters, meanwhile, can start circling a World Cup night in Inglewood, where Spain will be back under the lights.
