Uruguay crashed out of the World Cup as goalkeeper Fernando Muslera’s howler allowed Spain to win 1-0 in Guadalajara, securing first place in Group H.
Alex Baena’s feeble shot went under Muslera’s reach for the only goal as Spain averted a last-32 match against Argentina.
The European champions will now face Austria or Algeria in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Uruguay’s setback allowed debutants Cape Verde to finish second and face Lionel Messi and the defending champions after a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia.
Uruguay, the two-time winners, became the highest-ranked team to be eliminated in the group stages, capping off a disastrous tournament for Marcelo Bielsa and his players.
Following draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, reports emerged of a revolution in the Uruguay camp, with key players, including Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, arguing with Bielsa over his tactics.
Bielsa controversially replaced Valverde on the hour mark and stated that the decision to replace Muslera at halftime was made by the player himself.
“Journalists and fans of Uruguayan football legitimately want to pin the blame on me. I’m the person responsible, and I have to accept it,” said Bielsa.
Spain’s King Felipe was among those in attendance, but the only match involving two past World Cup champions in the group stages was a great letdown.
Lamine Yamal’s inclusion in the starting lineup fired the Spanish assault into life in a 4-0 hammering of Saudi Arabia, following an uninspiring start with a goalless draw against Cape Verde.
However, another labored attacking effort has given Luis de la Fuente something to think about before the knockout stages begin on Sunday.
To add to Spain’s problems, Yeremy Pino’s shoulder injury may have ended his campaign, and Nico Williams’ bruising clash was cut short due to a muscular ailment.
“In football, you can’t always play with the brilliance you wish for, or that we are capable of showing at other times,” said De la Fuente.
“We maintained an incredibly high level of concentration, responsibility, and composure, and we avoided rising to the many provocations that could have led to serious trouble.”
Muslera, a star of Uruguay’s 2010 semi-final run, was responsible for both of Cape Verde’s goals in a 2-2 tie.
In Guadalajara, Spain had barely attacked Uruguay’s goal when the 40-year-old let Baena’s shot slide past the line off Marcos Llorente’s cross on 42 minutes.
Muslera was replaced at halftime by Sergio Rochet, and Uruguay’s manager made an even bolder decision when Valverde was substituted on the hour mark.
Yamal was replaced 15 minutes from time, as his minutes were limited following a hamstring injury that ended his club season prematurely.
His replacement, Ferran Torres, should have increased the lead five minutes later but instead hit the crossbar with only the goalie to beat.
Uruguay’s terrible tournament was summed up when Agustin Canobbio received a straight red card in stoppage time for a violent lunge on Pau Cubarsi.
Spain, hailed as one of the pre-tournament favorites, has now gone 34 competitive games unbeaten and has yet to surrender a goal in the World Cup.
However, in sharp contrast to some of the brilliant forward football on display from France, Argentina, and the Netherlands, La Roja has yet to wow in their quest for a second World Cup victory.
