Spain weathers early adversity, clinches knock-out round match at SoFi Stadium
Key takeaways
- Spain finished first in Group H, while first-time participant Cape Verde advanced in second place with just three points, the result of three draws.
- For much of the match on Friday, Spain lacked better offensive coordination ahead of facing more dangerous opponents in the upcoming do-or-die rounds.
- Alex Baena scored a goal in the 42nd minute by connecting with the ball after a cross from the right.
Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet comforts teammate Mathias Olivera after they lost to Spain and were eliminated from the World Cup on Friday. (Ricardo Mazalan / Assocated Press) By Eduard Cauich Staff Writer Follow June 27, 2026 1:04 PM PT 4 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
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GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Spain, ranked second in the FIFA rankings and the favorite to win the World Cup, did not play its best game, but did enough late Friday to defeat Uruguay 1-0 and eliminate the South American team in one of the most anticipated matches of the first round.