Baena strike sends Spain past Uruguay into World Cup knockouts

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, June 26 : Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 on Friday to top Group H and reach the knockout stage of the World Cup, with Alex Baena's first-half strike enough to settle a tense, physical contest and leave Marcelo Bielsa's side out of the tournament.

Spain finished with seven points from two wins and a draw, while newcomers Cape Verde claimed the second knockout berth after three consecutive draws. Uruguay bowed out with two points, level with bottom-placed Saudi Arabia.

Baena broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when he found space near the edge of the area and drove in a powerful effort that veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera failed to hold, the ball slipping from his grasp and trickling into the net.

It was a costly mistake from Muslera, who was replaced at halftime. The goal came with both Manuel Ugarte and Lamine Yamal down injured as play continued, but Baena kept his focus and Spain took full advantage.

"It might be one of the goals that has made me happiest," Baena told local TV. "We knew it was going to be a tough match.

"They were fighting for their lives, and we were fighting for the top spot. We didn't show our best form, but we competed very well," he added. 

Uruguay had begun aggressively, determined to deny Lamine space on the right, with Guillermo Varela and the rest of the defence keeping tight to the 18-year-old.

Spain mostly threatened from set pieces in the opening half. Pau Cubarsi headed wide from a Baena corner in the 16th minute and missed again from close range four minutes later following another Baena delivery.

Uruguay's best first-half chance came after Federico Valverde pressed Rodri into an error in the 27th minute and then found Darwin Nunez inside the area, but the forward chose to