Spain top Group H as Muslera error gifts Alex Baena winner

The defining moment of Spain's World Cup victory over Uruguay came not in celebration but in a halftime substitution: backup goalkeeper Sergio Rochet replaced Fernando Muslera after the veteran's costly error allowed Alex Baena to put Spain ahead. The goal arrived just before the break when Marcos Llorente fed Baena, who took a touch into the centre of the box and fired a tame shot.

Muslera failed to clear the effort, pushing the ball into the side netting and effectively handing Spain a 1-0 win that sent them top of Group H and condemned Uruguay to early elimination — a campaign marred by a trio of Muslera errors across three matches. Friday's group-stage match was tight and physical, marked by challenges and a late red card, with Baena's finish the only decisive moment.

Spain now progress to the Round of 32 to face Austria or Algeria, while Uruguay go home. Goal's ratings highlighted Pau Cubarsí (9/10) and Rodri (8/10), with Aymeric Laporte and Alex Baena both on 7/10.

Spain

spain, uruguay, world cup, fernando muslera, alex baena, sergio rochet, marcos llorente, group h, round 32, pau cubarsí