Baena strike seals 1-0 win in Guadalajara; Cape Verde advance to last 32, while Spain avoid Argentina and face Austria or Algeria next

Spain secured top spot in Group H of the FIFA World Cup after edging Uruguay 1-0 in Guadalajara, a result that eliminated the South Americans and helped La Roja avoid a last-32 clash with defending champions Argentina.

The decisive moment came in the 42nd minute when goalkeeper Fernando Muslera allowed Álex Baena’s tame effort to slip through his hands and into the net.

The costly error handed Spain all three points and extended the European side’s unbeaten run in competitive matches to 34.

Uruguay’s defeat, coupled with Cape Verde’s goalless draw against Saudi Arabia, saw the African debutants finish second in the group and advance to the knockout stage, where they will face Argentina.

Spain will instead meet either Austria or Algeria in Los Angeles.

The result capped a disappointing World Cup campaign for Uruguay, who failed to win a match after drawing with Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia before losing to Spain.

The tournament was also overshadowed by reports of unrest within the squad, with head coach Marcelo Bielsa accepting responsibility for the team’s early exit.

Despite progressing, Spain were far from convincing and suffered fresh injury concerns after Yeremy Pino sustained a shoulder injury, while Nico Williams ended the match with a muscle problem.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente admitted his side lacked their usual attacking fluency but praised the players for remaining composed under pressure.

Spain now head into the knockout rounds without conceding a goal in the tournament, but questions remain over their attacking efficiency as they continue their quest for a second FIFA World Cup title.