Uruguay falls and Muslera’s errors give Spain victory in the Group

Abayomi Ademola

Uruguay were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup after a costly error by Fernando Muslera gave Spain a 1-0 victory and sealed another painful group stage exit for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Spain secured first place in Group H thanks to Alex Baena’s goal at the end of the first half, while Uruguay finished the tournament with just two points from three games. The defeat also marked the South Americans’ second consecutive elimination in the group stage of the World Cup.

Baena scored in the 42nd minute after turning sharply inside the area before firing a low shot past Muslera, who took advantage of the shot with both hands but was unable to prevent it. The goal came moments after Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte went down injured in the build-up, leaving Bielsa’s players furious that Spain continued the attack instead of putting the ball out of play.

Muslera, who was playing his 137th game for Uruguay, was substituted at half-time after making his third error that ended in a goal in as many World Cup games. Sergio Rochet replaced the veteran goalkeeper but Uruguay struggled to recover as Spain comfortably controlled the second half despite failing to extend their lead.

Darwin Núñez missed two good chances during the best moment of the match for Uruguay, while substitute Ferran Torres hit the crossbar late for Spain. Uruguay’s frustration deepened in added time when Agustín Canobbio was sent off for a high tackle on Pau Cubarsi.

Spain advanced unbeaten without conceding a goal in the group stage and will face Austria or Algeria in the round of 32, while Uruguay returns home with serious doubts surrounding Bielsa’s project after another disappointing campaign in a major tournament.