Spain Edge Uruguay 1-0 on Muslera Howler to Top Group H
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- Fernando Muslera spilled Álex Baena's first-half shot into his own net for the match's lone goal in the 42nd minute, and was substituted at halftime at the goalkeeper's own request, per coach Marcelo Bielsa.
- Spain dominated possession at 76% but managed only two shots — neither on target — in a disjointed performance that de la Fuente acknowledged fell short of previous showings, saying "you cannot do that in football every single time."
- Luis de la Fuente made two lineup changes — Marcos Llorente for Pedro Porro and Mikel Merino for Dani Olmo — with the article noting neither move had a positive impact, as Llorente failed to link with Lamine Yamal and Merino offered nothing in midfield.
- Lamine Yamal played 76 minutes but was unable to replicate his starring role from the 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, while goalkeeper Unai Simón was "deeply unconvincing," spilling two first-half crosses and looking nervous with his feet.
- Uruguay's Agustín Canobbio was sent off in added time for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí, sparking a bench-clearing scuffle, as Mexico fans in Guadalajara chanted "Cape Verde!" signaling Uruguay's likely elimination from the tournament.
- Marcelo Bielsa — described as coaching his final match in charge of Uruguay — took responsibility for the result, saying "we played to get seven points and we got two, and this is what describes my management," with Uruguay creating just one big chance for an xG of 0.20.
- Spain topped Group H as targeted, avoiding a round-of-32 meeting with Argentina, but the piece warns the European champions "eventually, they still must face a really good team at this World Cup" and "will need to do much more."
Why it matters: Spain achieved their stated goal of topping Group H and dodging Argentina, but the performance — 76% possession with two off-target shots, shaky goalkeeping, and a disjointed attack — raises real questions about whether de la Fuente's side can beat an elite opponent in the knockout rounds, where the margin for an error like Muslera's won't exist.
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