Spain 1-0 Sends Uruguay Out, Tops Group to Avoid Argentina, Canobbio Sees Red in Stoppage Time for a Dirty Tackle

In one of the final matches of World Cup Group H, which concluded on June 27 Beijing time, Spain edged Uruguay 1-0. In the first half, Baena’s shot forced a “butterfingers” error from Muslera, while Ugarte was forced off injured. After the break, Valverde was surprisingly substituted early, Olmo missed a golden chance, Ferran Torres hit the post, and Canobbio was sent off in stoppage time, as Spain held on for the win.

After three rounds, Spain finished top of the group with 7 points (2 wins, 1 draw), advancing to the round of 16 and avoiding Argentina. They will face the runner-up of Group J, which will be either Austria or Algeria.

Uruguay, on the other hand, ended third in the group with 2 points (2 draws, 1 defeat), but with nine other third‑placed teams already having more points, they were confirmed to be eliminated before the knockout stage.

[Key Moments]

In the 42nd minute, Marcos Llorente delivered a cross from the right, Baena turned and shot, and the 40‑year‑old Uruguay goalkeeper Muslera made a howler, letting the ball slip through his hands and into the net — Spain 1‑0 Uruguay.

In the 45th minute, Uruguay midfielder Ugarte suffered a non‑contact ankle injury while planting his foot, unable to continue, and was stretchered off, replaced by De La Cruz.

[Match Highlights]

2nd minute: Yamal intercepted the ball, dribbled past a defender and played a through ball; Oyarzabal’s shot took a deflection and went just wide of the post.

6th minute: Unai Simón spilled a high ball, and Cáceres almost bundled it into the net.

17th minute: Yamal cut inside from the wing and unleashed a powerful shot that was blocked.

27th minute: Canobbio crossed from the byline, and Núñez attempted a back‑heel flick at the near post but failed to connect cleanly.

31st minute: Bentancur sent in a cross, and Maxi Araujo stretched for a sliding effort but just missed the ball.

32nd minute: Unai Simón again failed to hold a high ball, and Núñez’s fierce shot was blocked.

36th minute: Bentancur unleashed a powerful long‑range drive that went just over the crossbar.

56th minute: Uruguay captain Valverde was surprisingly substituted early, with no exchange with coach Bielsa.

64th minute: Spain missed a golden chance — Yamal broke through and crossed, but Olmo, unmarked, pushed his shot wide.

85th minute: Ferran Torres, through on goal, somehow hit the post, denying Spain a second goal.

90th minute: Viñas went down in the box, Uruguay players appealed for a penalty, but the referee ignored them.

In stoppage time, Canobbio deliberately stamped on an opponent and was shown a red card, reducing Uruguay to 10 men.

[Player Ratings]

[Statistics]

[Lineups]

Spain starting XI (4‑2‑3‑1):

Goalkeeper: 23‑Unai Simón

Defenders: 5‑Marcos Llorente, 14‑Laporte, 22‑Cubarsí, 24‑Cucurella

Holding midfielders: 16‑Rodri, 20‑Pedri (60′ 8‑Fabián Ruiz)

Midfielders: 19‑Yamal (76′ 17‑Nico Williams), 6‑Mikel Merino (60′ 10‑Olmo), 15‑Baena (66′ 11‑Yeremy Pino)

Forward: 21‑Oyarzabal (76′ 7‑Ferran Torres)

Unused substitutes: 1‑David Raya, 13‑Joan García, 2‑Marc Pubill, 3‑Grimaldo, 4‑Eric García, 12‑Pedro Porro, 9‑Gavi, 18‑Martín Zubimendi, 25‑Víctor Muñoz, 26‑Borja Iglesias

Uruguay starting XI (4‑2‑3‑1):

Goalkeeper: 23‑Muslera (46′ 1‑Rochet)

Defenders: 13‑Guillermo Varela, 3‑Sebastián Cáceres, 16‑Matías Olivera, 25‑Juan Sanabria (70′ 18‑Brian Rodríguez)

Holding midfielders: 5‑Ugarte (45′ 7‑De La Cruz), 6‑Bentancur

Midfielders: 14‑Canobbio, 8‑Valverde (57′ 21‑Viñas), 20‑Maxi Araujo

Forward: 9‑Núñez

Unused substitutes: 12‑Mele, 2‑Giménez, 4‑Araujo, 17‑Viña, 24‑Santiago Bueno, 10‑De Arrascaeta, 15‑Emiliano Martínez, 22‑Piquerez, 26‑Salazar, 11‑Pellistri, 19‑Agirre