Spain secured top spot in Group H and condemned Uruguay to an early World Cup exit with a 1-0 victory, as another costly mistake by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera proved decisive.

Alex Baena scored the game’s only goal in the 42nd minute, beating Muslera with a low strike that slipped through the 40-year-old’s grasp despite the goalkeeper getting both hands to the ball. The defeat left Marcelo Bielsa’s side with just two points from three matches and extended Uruguay’s disappointing run to a second consecutive group-stage elimination.

Uruguay had enjoyed their best spell of the match before falling behind and felt aggrieved in the build-up to the goal after Manuel Ugarte went down injured. Play continued and the midfielder later left the field on a stretcher.

Bielsa responded by replacing Muslera at half-time with Sergio Rochet after the goalkeeper’s third error leading to a goal in as many games, but the change failed to alter the contest as Spain controlled much of the second half.

Uruguay pushed forward in search of an equaliser but struggled to seriously trouble Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon. Darwin Nunez squandered two promising opportunities in the first half, while substitute Ferran Torres struck the crossbar late on as Spain threatened to extend their lead.

The South Americans’ frustrations deepened in stoppage time when Agustin Canobbio was sent off for a high challenge on Pau Cubarsi, capping a miserable night that ended their World Cup campaign.

Spain, already on the verge of qualification before kick-off, finished as group winners and advanced to the Round of 32, where they will face the runners-up of Group J. (Arise News)

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