Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 in the ongoing FIFA World Cup Group H clash to advance to the knockout stages, while Marcelo Bielsa’s side bowed out of the tournament.

Spain topped the group with seven points from two wins and a draw, with debutants Cape Verde taking second spot in the group after three consecutive draws.

For Spain, it was Baena who scored the first and only goal of the match in the 42nd minute from the edge of the box.

The goal came while Manuel Ugarte and Lamine Yamal received treatment on the field as play continued, allowing Baena to shoot one past the Uruguay goalkeeper.

Uruguay started the game with a good all-round display of football. Their strong man-to-man marking put pressure on the Spanish team, who struggled to score goals.

Despite defending well, Marcelo Bielsa’s side also created some chances but in the end failed to capitalise on clear opportunities, such as the one they had in the 27th minute of the game.

In the second half of the match, both sides pushed forward, creating more chances, yet, with strong defences, neither side managed to score.

In the end, the game finished 1-0 in favour of the Spanish side, as they topped Group H.

The tournament is now entering the knockout stages, with competition likely to intensify further in the coming days.

Also read: Ecuador stun Germany, make it to knockouts