MEXICO CITY, June 27: Two-time champions Uruguay failed to progress to the knockout stages at the FIFA World Cup (WC) in consecutive tournaments after a 1-0 defeat to Group H winners Spain in Guadalajara, Flashscore reported.
Spain had the first chance of the game after just two minutes when Mikel Oyarzabal’s effort from a narrow angle was deflected into the side netting. This was not foreshadowing of an open game to come as it was nearly the half hour mark before either side came close again.
Uruguay captain Federico Valverde made inroads into the box on the right but the reinstated Darwin Nunez couldn’t get a touch on his dangerous cutback.
Rodrigo Bentancur then tried his luck from range but his effort fizzed over the bar close to HT without a shot on target at either end.
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However, that changed in the 42nd minute and it wasn’t one that Fernando Muslera would want to see again. Alex Baena picked up a pass from Lamine Yamal and hit a rather tame shot on the turn, however, Uruguay's experienced goalkeeper let the ball slip through his grasp to give the reigning European champions a narrow HT lead, according to Flashscore.
Marcelo Bielsa showed no mercy and made a rather brutal substitution at the break by taking off Muslera in favour of Sergio Rochet. Uruguay had already lost Manuel Ugarte to a serious looking first-half injury and then more eyebrows were raised when Valverde was withdrawn just before the hour.
However, this failed to give the South Americans the boost they needed and, in a game of few clear-cut chances, Yamal danced his side to the byline on 70 minutes and, but for a crucial intervention from Mathias Olivera, Oyarzabal would have had a tap-in from six yards.
Olivera’s mishit cross then struck the outside of the post, before Nicolas de la Cruz stung the palms of Unai Simon from range as Uruguay desperately sought an equaliser.
Substitute Ferran Torres spurned a huge chance to seal the deal with less than five minutes remaining as he went one-on-one with Rochet after linking up with Fabian Ruiz. However, the Barcelona forward lofted the ball over the goalkeeper only to see the ball clip the crossbar on the way over, Flashscore said.
Ultimately, though, that wouldn’t hurt Luis de la Fuente’s men as they held on for the win and reached the Round of 32 atop the group.
However, Uruguay’s disappointing tournament was summed up by a stoppage-time red card for Agustin Canobbio that was completely borne out of frustration and, despite finishing third, La Celeste’s two points would not be enough as they bowed out without a win, Flashscore said.
