Uruguay crash out as Spain top Group H
Uruguay's World Cup campaign came to an end after a costly Fernando Muslera error handed Spain a 1-0 victory in Guadalajara and secured top spot in Group H.
Alex Baena's tame effort slipped through Muslera's grasp late in the first half, enough to separate the sides and ensure Spain avoided a Round of 32 meeting with defending champions Argentina.
Instead, Luis de la Fuente's side will face either Austria or Algeria in Los Angeles.
Uruguay's defeat also confirmed Cape Verde's place in the knockout rounds. The tournament debutants progressed as Group H runners-up after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia, setting up a last-32 meeting with Lionel Messi's Argentina.
For Uruguay, it was a bitter end to a disappointing tournament.
The two-time world champions finished bottom of the group after draws with Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia were followed by defeat to Spain, becoming the highest-ranked nation to exit the competition in the group stage .
The result also capped a difficult campaign for Marcelo Bielsa, whose preparations had been overshadowed by reports of dressing-room unrest following the draw with Saudi Arabia.
With Spain needing only a point to finish first, the contest never developed into the heavyweight encounter many had anticipated.
Lamine Yamal returned to the starting lineup after inspiring Spain's 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, but La Roja again struggled to find their attacking rhythm against stubborn opposition.
The breakthrough eventually arrived three minutes before half-time.
Marcos Llorente's low cross found Baena, whose first-time effort should have posed little danger, only for Muslera to allow the ball to slip through his hands and over the line.
The goal came moments after Manuel Ugarte had suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury in the build-up, with the Manchester United midfielder requiring a stretcher before being replaced.
Bielsa responded by introducing Sergio Rochet at half-time in place of Muslera before later withdrawing Federico Valverde in another bold change as Uruguay searched for a way back into the contest.
Spain looked more threatening after Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz were introduced from the bench.
Olmo should have doubled the lead after fine work from Yamal created one of Spain's clearest openings, while Ferran Torres struck the crossbar late on after replacing the Barcelona winger.
Uruguay's frustrations boiled over deep into stoppage time when Agustin Canobbio was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
Spain extend their unbeaten run in competitive matches to 34 and have yet to concede a goal at this World Cup.
However, despite securing first place, De la Fuente's side will know they must raise their level in the knockout rounds if they are to add a second World Cup crown to their European title.
