Spain edge Uruguay 1-0 to top Group H as Cape Verde make historic knockout debut
Alex Baena's first-half goal, gifted by a Fernando Muslera error, gave Spain a 1-0 win over Uruguay and top spot in World Cup Group H, ending the two-time champions' campaign and sending Cape Verde through as the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stage.
A goalkeeping error that shaped the group
Spain secured first place in World Cup Group H with a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Guadalajara, but the decisive moment was a mistake rather than a masterstroke. After 42 minutes of a match short on clear chances, Spanish midfielder Alex Baena struck a soft shot that Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera allowed to slip through his grasp and over the line. The error condemned the South Americans to an early exit and meant the European champions avoided a last-32 meeting with defending champions Argentina.
Uruguay's tournament unravels
Uruguay arrived at the match needing at least a point to stay in contention, having drawn their two previous group matches against Cape Verde (2-2) and Saudi Arabia (0-0). Those results had already exposed tensions inside the camp: reports emerged of a revolt against coach Marcelo Bielsa, with senior players including Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde unhappy with his tactical approach. The loss confirmed their elimination with only two points, making them the highest-ranked side to exit at the group stage. Bielsa replaced Muslera with Sergio Rochet at half-time and later substituted Valverde on the hour mark, while Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious-looking knee injury in the build-up to the goal and was stretchered off. The team finished the match with ten men after Agustin Cannobio’s red card.
Cape Verde’s historic advance
While Uruguay faltered, Cape Verde secured second place, and a spot in the round of 32, by holding Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw. The Atlantic island nation, making its World Cup debut, had already drawn with Spain (0-0) and Uruguay to reach three points from three draws. They become the smallest country by population ever to reach a World Cup knockout phase and will now face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Miami on 3 July.
- Spain
- 7 points
- Cape Verde
- 3 points
- Uruguay
- 2 points
- Saudi Arabia
- 2 points
Spain’s cautious progress
Spain’s own attacking display raised questions despite topping the group. Luis de la Fuente’s side are now 34 competitive matches unbeaten and have yet to concede a goal in the tournament, but they lacked sharpness in the final third. The return of Lamine Yamal injected some impetus after an underwhelming goalless draw with Cape Verde and a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, but the 1-0 grind against Uruguay continued a pattern of laboured attacking performances. De la Fuente turned to substitutes Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz late on, and Olmo missed a good chance from a Yamal pass. Yamal himself was substituted with 15 minutes remaining as his minutes are managed following a hamstring injury.
What comes next
Spain will face either Austria or Algeria in Los Angeles on Thursday in the last 32. The group stage outcome also means Argentina awaits the surprise package Cape Verde, while Uruguay’s disappointing campaign prompts questions about the future of coach Bielsa and a group of experienced players who leave the tournament without a win.
