Spain secured the top spot in Group H after defeating Uruguay 1-0 at Guadalajara Stadium in an intense match.
With Uruguay eager to avoid a second consecutive group-stage elimination, Spain appeared to find their rhythm early on, although both teams struggled to break the deadlock.
However, in the 42nd minute, Spanish midfielder Alex Baena capitalized on a precise cross in the penalty area, directing a subtle touch into the bottom right corner of the net. Uruguay’s goalkeeper Fernando Muslera managed to get a hand on the shot but failed to retain possession, allowing the ball to roll in.
Things worsened for Uruguay just three minutes later when Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte was stretchered off following a collision with a teammate.
Needing a boost in the second half, coach Marcelo Bielsa sought to energize his side by replacing Muslera with Sergio Rochet. Uruguay dominated possession early in the second half and created several promising chances, but they failed to convert any into goals.
Spain nearly doubled their lead in the 62nd minute when Lamine Yamal set up Dani Olmo with a great opportunity. Unfortunately for Spain, Olmo’s attempt to chip the ball over the keeper lacked precision, landing harmlessly on the roof of the net.
(Getty)
Uruguay regained momentum later in the match and posed a consistent threat to Spain’s goal, but goalkeeper Unai Simon was equal to all challenges he faced.
A frantic end to the match resulted in several yellow cards as Uruguayan players fought valiantly for an equalizer. Their aggression ultimately led to trouble, with midfielder Agustin Canobbio receiving a straight red card during added time.
Agustin Canobbio was sent off as frustration boiled over for Uruguay (Reuters)
Spain managed to maintain their lead until the final whistle, while Uruguay’s defeat elevated Cape Verde to the historic achievement of reaching the World Cup knockout stage as the smallest nation to do so, following a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia.
This outcome was favorable for Scotland, who remain in contention for their place in the tournament, albeit precariously. With only three points in the group stage and a goal difference of -3, they are reliant on other results to advance.
Uruguay’s loss places them below Scotland as third-place finishers, while Iran faces a similar predicament if they lose to Egypt in Group G’s concluding match. Scotland’s fate will ultimately be determined in the final round of group-stage matches on Saturday evening.