Spain claimed this group-stage win through patient ball retention and the narrowest of margins. Luis de la Fuente's side enjoyed 67 per cent possession but managed only 6 shots. Uruguay defended in a compact shape for long periods, yet with 33 per cent of the ball they mustered just 5 attempts and an xG figure of 0.20. Spain's 1-0 victory ultimately came down to the fact that their only shot on target found the net.
The decisive moment arrived in the 42nd minute. Llorente provided the assist, Baena finished, and Spain went into the break in front. The goal was a fitting reflection of a game in which Spain had the better of possession without ever moving freely in behind. An xG of 0.86 underlined that even the winners created little of genuine quality.
For Uruguay, de la Cruz came on for Ugarte before half-time. After Baena received a yellow card in the 46th minute, Uruguay made a goalkeeping change as Rochet replaced Muslera.
After the break Uruguay stayed in the contest but rarely found a way through Spain's defensive line. Aymeric Laporte was the most prominent figure in a Spanish shirt: he won 6 of his 8 duels and contributed 102 passes to help his side see out the lead through prolonged spells of possession. Uruguay's efforts in the final third lacked the precision to trouble Spain, not least because the central channels were kept firmly shut.
Stoppage time brought a spike in tension. De la Cruz was shown a yellow card in the 90+3rd minute, and Canobbio received a red card in the 90+5th minute following a serious foul. Uruguay were unable to conjure a clear-cut equaliser after that.
Spain leave the group stage with seven points, taking a narrow but controlled victory into their next assignment. After two draws and this defeat, Uruguay remains on two points and must pack its bags, finishing third in Group H.
