Favorites Spain see off 10-man Uruguay

Alex Baena scored the only goal as Spain secured top spot in Group H and advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over 10-man Uruguay at Estadio Guadalajara.

The result confirmed La Roja as group winners and eliminated Uruguay, with Cape Verde’s goalless draw against Saudi Arabia sealing second place for the tournament debutants.

Spain will now face the Group J runners-up on July 2 in the last 32 as they continue their pursuit of a third World Cup crown, having last lifted the trophy in 2010.

Baena’s decisive strike came three minutes before half-time after an error from Fernando Muslera. Marcos Llorente’s delivery picked out Baena, who took a touch before seeing his shot squirm through the Uruguay goalkeeper’s grasp and into the net.

The Uruguay goalkeeper was replaced at the break by Sergio Rochet in a rare World Cup substitution, but Marcelo Bielsa’s side were unable to recover.

The European champions controlled the contest with composure, limiting Uruguay’s attacking threat while dominating possession. Lamine Yamal again provided a creative spark, while Spain’s defensive structure ensured another controlled performance.

The game ended on a sour note for Uruguay, with Agustín Canobbio shown a straight red card in stoppage time for a high challenge on Pau Cubarsí, compounding a difficult evening for the South Americans.