FIFA WC: Alex Baena's strike sends Spain into knockouts as Uruguay crash out
Guadalajara, June 27
Alex Baena's first-half strike proved decisive as Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 on Friday to top Group H and book their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, while Marcelo Bielsa's side bowed out of the tournament.
Spain topped the group with seven points from their two wins and a draw, with tournament newboys Cape Verde taking the second knockout spot on three draws. Uruguay departed with just two points, the same as last-placed Saudi Arabia.
Baena opened the scoring in the 42nd minute by finding some space on the edge of the box and blasting a shot through experienced Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
It was a bit of an odd goal, with both Manuel Ugarte and Lamine Yamal having treatment on the field as play continued, but Baena did not hesitate.
Uruguay had started bright with Varela tasked with tightmarking a dangerous Yamal, and Spain's early play centred on two well-placed set pieces from Baena; the first he put on for Pau Cubarsi who headed over in the 16th and then two minutes later another left-wing delivery saw Cubarsi miss over again. The South American's best chance before the interval was in the 27th minute when Federico Valverde pounced on a Rodri mistake and slipped the ball through to Darwin Nunez, but the striker went for an over ambitious backheel instead of shooting.
Muslera went off for some time at half-time following his error, but Uruguay struggled to carve out many chances in the second half, despite seeing more possession. In second half substitute Federico Vinas fired a chance high over the bar from a Maxi Araujo cross, while Spain looked lively on the counter.
Dani Olmo skewed wide from a well-worked Yamal pass after 63 minutes before Ferran Torres crashed the bar from an early Ruiz break soon afterwards.
Uruguay made some good attacks in the late hours, but goalkeeper Unai Simon made vital blocks from Mathias Olivera and Nicolas de la Cruz. Uruguay's disappointment spilled over into stoppage time, when Agustin Canobbio was shown red for a challenge on Cubarsi, to bring a difficult tournament to a painful close.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I feel for Bielsa. Uruguay had the quality but just couldn't get it together. That Muslera error was costly - he's been a legend but age catches everyone. Spain's Yamal is a real talent, though. Reminds me of a young Messi with those runs.
Cape Verde taking the second spot with three draws - that's the beauty of the World Cup! 🇨🇻 Meanwhile, Uruguay's exit shows how unpredictable football can be. That red card for Canobbio was just frustration boiling over. Spain looking strong for the knockouts, but that defence will be tested against a real attacking side.
Disappointed for Uruguay fans. They had such high hopes with Bielsa. But honestly, Spain controlled the game well - that midfield is just too strong. Baena's goal was a rocket! 🚀 India should take notes - we need more players comfortable on the big stage like these youngsters.
A bit of a controversial goal with players down injured, but the rules say play on. Uruguay will feel hard done by that. Still, Valverde had a great game - that run to set up Nunez was world-class. Just needed a better finish. Spain's set pieces are dangerous; Cubarsi could have had a brace. Entertaining match overall!
Beautiful football from Spain! That build-up play is what makes them special. Yamal at such a young age running at defenders - incredible. Uruguay just didn't have the cutting edge. Maybe Bielsa needs to rethink his approach for the next tournament. As an Indian fan, watching these World Cup
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