By Dwayne Ferreira.
Álex Baena scores the decisive first-half goal as Spain beat Uruguay 1-0, top Group H and eliminate Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Álex Baena sent Spain into the World Cup knockouts as Group H winners after his first-half strike sealed a tense 1-0 victory over Uruguay and eliminated Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Spain entered the match needing only a result to confirm their place in the round of 32, while Uruguay required victory to keep their campaign alive. The stakes produced a physical, edgy contest in Guadalajara, where every duel carried tournament consequences.
Uruguay began aggressively. They pressed Spain’s midfield, denied Lamine Yamal space on the right and attempted to unsettle Luis de la Fuente’s side before the passing rhythm could develop. Federico Valverde created Uruguay’s best first-half opening when he pressured Rodri into an error and found Darwin Núñez, but the forward attempted a backheel rather than shooting.
Spain’s early threat came mostly from set pieces. Pau Cubarsí twice went close from Baena corners, first heading wide and then missing from closer range. The signs were there that Baena’s delivery and movement could trouble Uruguay.
The decisive moment arrived in the 42nd minute. Baena collected the ball near the edge of the area and struck a powerful effort towards goal. Veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera failed to hold it cleanly, and the ball slipped into the net. Uruguay protested because Manuel Ugarte and Lamine Yamal were down injured during the sequence, but play continued and Spain were ahead.
Muslera was withdrawn at halftime, and Uruguay tried to become more direct after the break. Bielsa introduced Federico Viñas for Valverde in an attempt to improve attacking presence, but Uruguay continued to lack precision in the final third.
Spain managed the second half with maturity. Dani Olmo missed a chance from a Lamine cross, while Ferran Torres hit the crossbar after a pass from Fabián Ruiz. At the other end, Unai Simón denied Mathías Olivera and Nicolás de la Cruz as Uruguay pushed late.
For Spain, the victory was not their most fluent performance, but it showed another dimension: control under pressure. De la Fuente’s team finished Group H unbeaten with seven points and now face Austria in the round of 32.
Uruguay exit without a win, finishing on two points alongside Saudi Arabia. For a team with major talent and a demanding coach, the campaign will be viewed as a failure. Spain, meanwhile, move forward with the look of a side capable of winning in different ways.
MATCH SUMMARY
Uruguay – 0
Spain – 1
Álex Baena 42’
Result: Spain won 1-0
Player of the Match: Álex Baena
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group H
Venue: Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
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