Spain edged previous Uruguay 1-0 in Guadalajara to safe high spot in Group H, whereas Marcelo Bielsa’s aspect had been eradicated from the 2026 World Cup after a irritating night that resulted in controversy.
Alex Baena’s first-half strike proved the distinction, and with Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia drawing 0-0 within the group’s different match, Uruguay’s defeat despatched them crashing out on the first hurdle.
Spain take management as Baena strikes earlier than break
Spain began brightly and virtually discovered an early breakthrough when Lamine Yamal capitalised on a misplaced move earlier than feeding Mikel Oyarzabal, whose effort was diverted behind.
Luis de la Fuente’s aspect dominated possession through the opening phases, pinning Uruguay deep inside their very own half and forcing the South People to spend lengthy durations chasing the ball.
Uruguay’s greatest moments got here from set items and urgent excessive up the pitch. Ronald Araujo’s free-kick precipitated uncertainty for Unai Simon, whereas Agustin Canobbio noticed an effort blocked after the Spain goalkeeper didn’t deal cleanly with a supply into the world.
Nevertheless, Spain’s stress lastly advised three minutes earlier than half-time. After Uruguay didn’t clear their strains contained in the penalty space, Marcos Llorente drove a low ball into the field and Baena reacted quickest, turning sharply earlier than firing goalwards. The shot slipped via Fernando Muslera and into the online, handing Spain an important 1-0 lead.
The purpose was one other expensive mistake from the veteran goalkeeper, who grew to become the primary goalkeeper since 1966 to commit three errors main on to objectives in a single World Cup event.
Uruguay’s issues worsened earlier than the interval when Manuel Ugarte was compelled off injured on a stretcher, with Nicolas de la Cruz changing him.
Uruguay battle to reply
Needing at the least a draw to maintain their hopes alive, Uruguay emerged for the second half with larger urgency, however clear alternatives remained scarce.
Marcelo Bielsa made a number of attacking adjustments, together with the introduction of Federico Vinas and Brian Rodriguez, however Spain continued to look snug. Dani Olmo ought to have doubled the lead after good work from Yamal created a golden alternative, just for the substitute to blaze over from inside the world.
Uruguay’s frustrations started to point out as the sport grew to become more and more bodily. Juan Sanabria and Guillermo Varela had been each booked for reckless challenges, whereas Spain additionally collected cautions.
The closest Uruguay got here to an equaliser arrived within the remaining quarter of the match. De la Cruz injected life into the assault and produced an outstanding move that launched Darwin Nunez, however Simon raced from his line to smother the hazard earlier than the striker might spherical him.
Mathias Olivera then compelled the Spain goalkeeper into motion with a mishit cross-shot that just about caught him out on the close to put up, earlier than De la Cruz examined Simon with a robust effort that was crushed away.
Pink card caps depressing Uruguay exit
Because the clock ticked into the closing phases, Uruguay threw our bodies ahead seeking the purpose that would have saved their event alive. Nevertheless, Spain defended resolutely and continued to threaten on the counter-attack, with Ferran Torres placing the crossbar after glorious build-up play.
With information filtering via that Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia had completed 0-0, Uruguay knew a late equaliser would have been sufficient to ship them via. It by no means arrived.
As a substitute, the night resulted in ugly vogue throughout stoppage time. After Nicolas de la Cruz was booked for a cynical foul, tensions escalated and Canobbio fully misplaced his composure.
The winger launched right into a reckless problem on Pau Cubarsi together with his studs exhibiting and was instantly proven a straight crimson card. He then confronted referee Ismail Elfath, grabbing on the official’s shirt in scenes that summed up Uruguay’s frustration.
