Alex Baena's first-half finish proved the decisive blow as Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 in Guadalajara on Friday, 27 June, topping Group H and advancing to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage. Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay side, by contrast, exited the tournament after failing to win a single match.

Group H Final Standings

Spain finished top of the group on seven points, the product of two wins and a draw across their three matches. Tournament debutants Cape Verde claimed the second knockout berth with three points accumulated across three draws — a remarkable run for a side appearing at their first World Cup. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia both departed with two points apiece, with Bielsa's side going out on goal difference.

How the Goal Was Scored

Baena broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, finding space on the edge of the penalty area and driving a low shot past experienced Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. The goal arrived in unusual circumstances — both Manuel Ugarte and Lamine Yamal were receiving on-field treatment as play continued, but Baena did not hesitate to pull the trigger.

Earlier in the half, Spain had threatened through set pieces, with Baena delivering twice from the left wing for Pau Cubarsi, who headed over on both occasions — in the 16th and 18th minutes. Uruguay's clearest opportunity before the break came in the 27th minute, when Federico Valverde capitalised on a Rodri error and threaded a pass through to Darwin Nunez — only for the striker to attempt an overambitious backheel rather than shoot.

Second Half: Spain Hold Firm

Muslera, who had been at fault for the goal, briefly left the field at half-time. Uruguay saw more of the ball after the break but struggled to convert possession into clear chances. Second-half substitute Federico Vinas fired high over the bar from a Maxi Araujo cross, while Spain remained dangerous on the counter-attack.

Dani Olmo skewed wide from a well-worked Yamal pass in the 63rd minute, and Ferran Torres struck the crossbar from a swift Ruiz break shortly afterwards. Goalkeeper Unai Simon made vital interventions late on, blocking efforts from Mathias Olivera and Nicolas de la Cruz to preserve the clean sheet.

Red Card Caps a Painful Exit

Uruguay's frustration boiled over deep into stoppage time when Agustin Canobbio was shown a red card for a challenge on Cubarsi, bringing a difficult campaign to a bitter conclusion. This is the first time Uruguay have failed to progress beyond the group stage at a World Cup since 2002, and it marks a significant setback for Bielsa's project. Spain, meanwhile, advance as group winners and will be among the tournament favourites heading into the last 16.