Uruguay exit World Cup after Spain win Group H

MEXICO CITY: Uruguay were eliminated from the World Cup after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Guadalajara, a result that sent the European champions through as Group H winners and ended the South Americans' campaign in the first round.

Alex Baena scored the only goal on 42 minutes when his effort from a Marcos Llorente cross slipped through the hands of veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Spain's victory also helped Cape Verde advance in second place after the tournament debutants drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. That outcome set up a last-32 meeting between Cape Verde and defending champions Argentina.

Spain avoided a round-of-32 clash with Argentina and will instead face either Austria or Algeria in Los Angeles on Thursday. Spain finished top of the group with seven points after opening with a goalless draw against Cape Verde and then beating Saudi Arabia 4-0. Cape Verde ended on three points, while Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were both eliminated on two.

For Uruguay, the defeat capped a difficult tournament under Marcelo Bielsa. After draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, unrest in the camp emerged, with leading players including Federico Valverde said to have clashed with Bielsa over his tactics. Bielsa later took off Valverde on the hour mark, while Muslera was replaced at half-time by Sergio Rochet. Bielsa said the decision to withdraw Muslera at the break had been made by the player himself.

In comments after the match, Bielsa accepted responsibility for the exit.

“Journalists and fans of Uruguayan football legitimately want to pin the blame on me. I'm the person responsible and I have to accept it.”, he stated.

Uruguay, two-time World Cup winners, became the highest-ranked side to be knocked out in the group stage. Muslera, who was part of Uruguay's run to the semi-finals in 2010, had also been blamed for both Cape Verde goals in the earlier 2-2 draw. Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte was injured in the build-up to Spain's goal and was stretchered off with what appeared to be a serious knee problem.

Spain progress but concerns remain

Although Spain reached the knockout stage as group winners, the performance again raised questions about their attacking sharpness. Spain had started the tournament modestly before improving in a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, with Lamine Yamal's return to the starting line-up helping lift the side. Against Uruguay, however, Luis de la Fuente's team again laboured in attack.

Spain also had injury worries. Yeremy Pino suffered a shoulder problem that may have ended his tournament, while Nico Williams finished the match carrying a muscle issue. Yamal, whose minutes are being managed after a hamstring injury cut short his club season, was replaced 15 minutes from time. Ferran Torres, who came on for him, hit the bar five minutes from the end when presented with a chance to make it 2-0.

De la Fuente said his side had shown discipline even if they were not at their most fluent.

“In football, you can't always play with the brilliance you wish for, or that we are capable of showing at other times. We maintained an incredibly high level of concentration, responsibility, and composure, and we avoided rising to the many provocations that could have led to serious trouble”, he stated.

Spain are now unbeaten in 34 competitive matches and have yet to concede a goal at this World Cup. Their displays have not matched the attacking level shown by some of the other leading contenders. Uruguay's frustration was underlined in stoppage time when Agustin Canobbio was sent off for a straight red card following a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi.

Spain's King Felipe was among those in attendance for the group-stage meeting between the two former world champions.