Overview
- Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 on Friday as Alex Baena scored in the 42nd minute when his shot skipped past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to decide the match.
- The victory put Spain first in Group H and advanced them to the round of 32; they will face the second-place team from Group J at SoFi Stadium on July 2 once that opponent is decided.
- Uruguay were eliminated after failing to win any group match and finishing with two points while debutant Cape Verde progressed in second place with three draws and three points.
- The game produced several key incidents that could affect availability: Muslera was replaced at halftime by Sergio Rochet, midfielder Manuel Ugarte left on a stretcher with a leg injury, and Agustín Canobbio was sent off with a straight red in stoppage time.
- Spain entered the tournament as one of the pre-tournament favorites but have been inconsistent in the group stage and coach Luis de la Fuente said the team must improve its fluidity before the knockout rounds.